'Cash-in-Lieu' Program Approved

Cheyenne County offers health insurance for its employees, but not all need or want the plan.

In the June 6 meeting of the Cheyenne County Commissioners, County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh proposed a cash-in-lieu program where employees who are insured by another option can choose a cash payment in place of the health insurance program. In place of health insurance, an employee who chooses to opt out will receive an additional $500 per month, taxable. Fiegenschuh stressed that employees leaving the county health insurance program will also forfeit the $15,000 life insurance plan.

The proposal was approved 3-0.

How should a municipality honor a resident who was known for his service in multiple capacities?That is a question brought before the commissioners in the June 6 meeting.

With the move of the county attorney's offices to 1212 Jackson St., the Veteran Service Office is preparing to move to part of the previous attorney's office. With the move, Veteran Service Officer Fred Wiedeburg asked that the new Veteran Service Office be named as the Ronald Gusman Memorial Building. Gusman is the former Veteran Service Officer, replaced by Wiedeburg.

“This is in totality of his service, not just VSO,” Wiedeburg said.

He said in addition to serving as a Veteran Service Officer, he was part of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), and has extensive military service. Gusman died May 13, 2022 at the age of 78. He was born in Bridgeport, and was drafted into the U.S. Army after graduating from high school. He served 33 years with the Nebraska State Patrol, and worked in Cheyenne County's Veteran Service Office for 13 years.

Commissioner Randy Miller said he was concerned about setting a precedence, in consideration of the number of people who have extensive service history in the community. The commissioners suggested a plaque, possibly naming the Veteran Service Office in recognition of Gusman, but not the entire building.

In related news, the commissioners also approved the reappointment of Kae Nelson the the Veterans Service Committee and Stephanie Disney as a new member of the committee. Disney replaces Gusman on the committee.

The move from the county courthouse building to the new Veteran Service Office is in a transition stage. Buildings and Grounds Superintendent Tom Payne he would like time to update the former attorney's offices before it becomes the Veteran Service Office. He said he will need extra time because he is preparing the fairgrounds for the county fair.

Sheriff Adam Frerichs and Wiedeburg expressed their support for Payne taking necessary time for the transition.

Days into her new role and Tourism Director Kendra Mitchell met with the commissioners. The commissioners approved a $3,500 grant for Gold Rush Days. They also discussed the visitors committee bylaws and how to respond to the vice-chairman's resignation. The commissioners and Mitchell also discussed if it should be the tourism board or visitors committee, and reviewed the grant application form. The commissioners also approved a letter regarding Lodge Tax licenses.

Highway Superintendent Doug Hart reported striping on Highway 32 South is completed. He also said the Highway Department recently purchased a 2003 bottom dump trailer under budget at $17,000.