The Sheridan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9 A.M. on July 7, 2026. All members present along with County Clerk Sindy Coburn, Clerk of District Court Carol Stouffer and Treasurer Renee Thies. Krotz stated that the meeting would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Nebraska Open Meeting Act. This meeting was posted on the official website and published in the Sheridan County Journal Star on July 1, 2026.

Kling made a motion to accept the agenda. Messersmith seconded the motion. With a roll call vote all voted aye.

Messersmith made a motion to approve the minutes of 6-23-2026 with corrections. Kling seconded the motion. With a roll call vote all voted aye.

Chairman Krotz informed the board that Zelle has notified him that Trent Kling did not accept the offer presented for the Highway Superintendent position. Commission Kling informed the board that there must be some type of communication error, because Trent had told him that he did accept the position. The board made a call to Zelle to discuss the matter. Zelle informed the board that Trent had asked for the benefit package and asked for an extension on the acceptance of the contract. The benefit package was sent to him and Zelle did extend the offer until 7-6-2026. Kling in return asked for the contract to be extended to 7-8 2026. At that time Zelle said that it was an automatic decline of the contract because they did not extend it to his requested date.

Commissioner Kling stated that Trent Kling did accept the position in an email on 7-6-26 that requested Zelle to send an updated contract for signature to accept the position. Zelle did not respond back to him.
Krotz made a motion to direct Zelle to withdraw the offer to Trent Kling due to timing issues and proceed with the next candidate. Messersmith seconded the motion. With a roll call vote. Messersmith and Krotz aye. Kling abstained.

Commissioner Kling stated that two things that were discussed prior to hiring someone was not hiring within and hiring someone who was willing to take the Highway Superintendent License. Kling stated that he thinks we need to look at these things.

The board reviewed a special claim presented by the Sheriff’s Department to Great Plains Communication. This claim is for late fees and missed payments. Messersmith made a motion to approve the claim for $1,568.44 to Great Plains. Kling seconded the motion. With a roll call vote all voted aye.

Public Comment: Treasurer Renee Thies informed the board that Intra Links was planning to come on Wednesday to start on the telephone update.

Adjourn: 10:10 A.M.
Attest: Sindy L Coburn, Clerk
James Krotz, Chairman
Posted by Jack Andersen