The Sheridan County Board of Commissioners met at the Courthouse on October 20, 2020, as advertised on the County website sheridancountyne.gov and in the 10-14 edition of the Sheridan County Journal Star. Present were Chairman Loren Paul, Commissioners Bruce Messersmith and James Krotz, Clerk Sindy Coburn and Treasurer Renee Thies. 

Acting as the Board of Equalization, the Commissioners approved the minutes of the 10-13 meeting. There was no other business for the BOE and there was no public comment. 

Acting as the Board of Commissioners (BOC) the Board audited and approved salary claims and signed claim checks. The Board approved the following resolutions authorizing the transfer of funds according to the provisions of the approved 2020-2021 Budget: 
$41,000 from Inheritance to General; 
$1,409,473.06 (in 8 payments) from General to Roads; 
$158,066.22 (in 8 payments) from General to Weeds; 
$5,000 from General to Extension Sinking Fund; 
$1,000 from General to Reappraisal. 

Treasurer Renee Thies submitted her report on 2019 Distress Warrants. Of the 59 Warrants issued 31 were collected and 19 were uncollected. 

Road Superintendent Richard Cross reported that recent precipitation had made the grading of roads possible in some areas. 

Sheriff Jeff Brewer presented the Highway 20 Inter-Local Law Enforcement Agreement for renewal. The agreement includes agencies from the NE/WY border to Ainsworth. The BOC approved agreement. 

The BOC approved the appointment of Zoe Snyder of Hay Springs to the County Visitor Improvement Board. 

The BOC approved a service agreement with PowerTech for the maintenance of the emergency power generator. 

The BOC discussed and approved a 3-year recommitment to participate in the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA). The recommitment brings to the County a $6,139 incentive dividend. 

Deputy County Attorney Jamian Simmons met with the BOC in closed session to discuss pending litigation. No action was taken. 

Clerk of the District Court Carol Stouffer and Building Superintendent Jeff Davis appeared to discuss the need for improvement to the heating system in the district courtroom. Davis warned that the electrical service to the courtroom may be inadequate for heating upgrades. He will research the matter further. 

The BOC reviewed and approved a $2,000 grant request prepared by GIVE Director Bev Wellnitz for submission to the Ukena Foundation. Thalia Wilson of the NEBRASKA STRONG RECOVERY PROGRAM appeared to present information on behavioral health services available to people impacted by the Covid pandemic. NEBRASKA STRONG is an initiative of Region 1 Behavioral Services. 

Tanya Storer, candidate for the district 43 seat in the Unicameral, appeared to answer questions and hear concerns from members of the Board. 

The Commissioners concluded their business for the day by conducting the required, quarterly inspection of the Jail. The next scheduled meeting of the Commissioners will be Tuesday November 10 at 9:00 at the Courthouse. 

Written by James Krotz

Posted by Jack Andersen