Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
The Cheyenne County Commissioners are set to propose a budget with cuts amounting to almost $1 million.
The cuts are a result of a substantial decrease in the county's valuation, according to commissioner Randal Miller.
“We are doing everything we can to lower the mill levy again,” Miller said in Monday morning's meeting.
He added the biggest hurdle in minimizing the mill levy is the $93 million loss in county valuation.
For the 2018 tax year, Cheyenne County's total valuation was $1,475,380,488. The county mill levy needed to finance the General Fund, County Fair and Veteran's Aid added up to .409 mills. The County is seeking $5,577,405 to operate the the General Fund, about $400,000 lower than the 2018 budget.
In other business, the commissioners received a report on Distress Warrants from County Treasurer Shelley Bowlin and County Sheriff Adam Frerichs. Bowlin and Frerichs reported collecting on 70 of 91 warrants for a total of $32,555.90. The remaining 21 warrants amount to about $9,130, according to Bowlin's report.
“It's all personal property. That's all we can issue Distress Warrants on,” she said.
Ron Kissler and Evie Flessner, representing the Safety Committee, met with the commissioners regarding staff training. Kissler said several employees are willing to pay for attending CPR, First Aid and AED classes. Kissler said sheriff's deputies and dispatchers are required to have CPR and First Aid certification, adding up to 27 county employees certified, or almost one-third of the county staff. With the additional interest, close to two-thirds of the staff will be certified in CPR, First Aid and use of an AED. An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator. It is a machine designed to guide a first responder with a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Kissler said there are people who would prefer calling medical professionals and standing by until they arrive. However, the person most able to save a patient is frequently the first one on the scene. Kissler said there are 30 to 40 employees who are willing to pay the $15 for class materials to get certified. Miller said for no more than it will cost and the employees willing to better themselves, it is worth the investment.
“The more knowledge we can get these people, the better,” he said.
Kissler said they are not seeking funds, but permission for the employees to take part of their workday for the training.
The board also approved grant applications submitted to the Tourism Committee. The Potter Lions Club was awarded $2,000 to promote Potter Days and the Lodgepole Historical Society was awarded a $5,000 grant to assist with its museum expansion. Visitor Center Manager Kevin Howard said Lodgepole is planning the building in four phases. Additionally, they have most of the funds needed.
“They're putting in about $30,000 from local donations,” Howard said.
The building is expected to cost about $40,000. Howard said the community has committed a downpayment for the construction.
“They're moving forward. The building will be done this fall,” he said.
The third project is $2,111.75 to the Cheyenne County Fair.
The commissioners also approved an Engagement Letter from E & H Certified Public Accountants for auditing of county Keno 2018-2019 activity and approved the county's health insurance deductible buy down program for employees. County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh said there was no increase for the second year in a row.
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