The Sheridan County Board of Commissioners (BOC) met on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the County Courthouse. Notice of the meeting was published on the county website sheridancounty.ne.gov. The meeting was open to the public and a ZOOM connection was also available. Present were Chairman Bruce Messersmith, Commissioners Dan Kling and James Krotz, County Clerk Sindy Coburn, Treasurer Renee Thies, Clerk of the District Court Carol Stouffer and Road Superintendent Rich Cross. 

The Board of Commissioners (BOC) audited and approved for payment claims totaling $512,632. 

Road Superintendent Rich Cross reported that the gravel pits were flooded by the recent heavy rainstorms. It will take about a week to pump them out. There were no complete wash-outs but in some areas water damage has restricted travel to a single lane. All the county trucks are back in service. 

At 9:45 a.m. the Board opened bids for the hauling of 18,000 tons of ¾-inch base course rock from South Dakota. Bids were received from Croell ($6.25/yard) and Simon Construction ($8.75/yard. The BOC voted to accept the bid from Croell). 

Building Superintendent Jeff Davis reported that the recent rainstorm had caused further water damage in the courthouse. Roof repairs were approved earlier this year and now we wait our turn with the contractor. 

The HVAC upgrade in the courthouse is complete and seems to be working well. 

Jodi Elsea, head jailor, and Sheriff Jeff Brewer appeared to submit two requests for ARPA funds. The two projects include an electronic locking system on 7 interior doors and the installation of electronically activated exterior doors. The BOC approved the two grants of $45,300 and $99,679. 

Jacob Blenker of Hexagon joined the meeting via telephone to answer questions about his company’s request to mount a GPS receiver/transmitter on the roof of the Gordon shop. In return for the privilege, the county will receive a no-cost subscription (worth 2,500/year) to the satellite location service. 

Marie Nelson, Extension 4-H assistant, reported on the many recent and upcoming events and projects. Nelson also reported that the Extension office had completed the installation of two large screen monitors in the conference room with the help of a generous donation from Beguin Propane. 

The Board approved proposal from the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) for Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health coverage for county employees in the coming fiscal year. The Board also discussed the possibility of providing a subsidy for family coverage. Consideration of that possibility continues as the Board gathers and reviews information on cost. 

The Board approved the updated Constitution and By-laws of the Sheridan County Extension Board as presented. Bev Wellnitz, Sheridan County GIVE director, submitted her resignation effective May 31, 2023. The BOC voted to accept her resignation with regret and with thanks for her three years of service to the county. 

The next meeting of the BOE & BOC is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23. The minutes of this and all meetings of the Board of Commissioners will be available to the public at the office of the Sheridan County Clerk and now are available online at sheridancounty.ne.gov. All meetings of the Board of Commissioners are held in compliance with Nebraska Open Meetings Act and the public is always welcome. 

Written by James Krotz
Posted by Jack Andersen