Keno, Tax Exemptions and Car Bowl Grant Top Priorities on Commissioners' Agenda

SIDNEY--The Cheyenne County Commissioners met on Monday, May 6, with a full slate of issues on the agenda. Commissioner Darrell Johnson was absent from the meeting. After approving the current agenda and minutes from the April 15 meeting, the Commissioners were ready for the first order of business.

The first item on the agenda was a reconsideration of a denial of burial assistance for Jose Maestas and Denise Raferty. For the Raferty application, the applicants said that at the time of the application, Raferty had $1507 in her account, more than the $1500 limit for county assistance. However, before those monies could be allocated, medical bills for medications and an insurance premium took the $1507 balance well below the $1500 threshold. The Commissioners and County Attorney Paul Schaub then discussed flexibility in the policy, how the threshold numbers are set, and what could be done to avoid this type of situation. Commissioner Miller said that perhaps a 30 or 60-day period for bills to be paid out before determining eligibility for burial assistance, but also noted that most of the determination is done on an honor system basis, as the sheriffs have little authority to investigate the finances of the deceased. The Commissioners noted there should be a change in the system but the potential for abuse does exist. They approved burial assistance for Denise Raferty, but denied assistance for Jose Maestas. Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs told the Commissioners that he went to the home of the brother of Maestas to inspect a 1992 Ford F150 that was owned by Maestas, and noted that it was in good shape for its age. He also said that although the vehicle was up on blocks, it was just to put new tires on the vehicle, as it started, and drove away once the tires were installed. Frerichs said the valuation of $2,500 was reasonable and the vehicle should get that amount in a sale.

The Commissioners then switched over to the Board of Equalization to review and consider approval of permissive exemptions for Cheyenne County organizations seeking tax exemption. County Assessor Jordan Hajek presented the Commissioners with the applications, and they reviewed each application. Most of these organizations, varying from Cheyenne County Community Center, the American Legion Post, and many others, have to have their exemptions re-approved every four years by the State of Nebraska. Before State Approval, the County Commissioners have to approve the exemption at the local level. The Commissioners approved all of the applications but did have a few questions, such as why the Pony Express memorial application is from a group out of California, but nothing was unusual in any of the applications. There were four different application groups, ranging from religious organizations to hospital groups to groups looking for private property exemptions. The Commissioners approved all the applications that will now go to Lincoln for State approval.

Moving back to the Board of Commissioners, they next heard from Kris Bachert, speaking for John Fahey, concerning a Cheyenne County Keno permit. She said that the new location of Winners at 3100 Silverberg Drive in Sidney has stated their desire to operate Keno in its Pool Lounge/ Game Room. She also said that the new location of Boss City Brewery in Sidney had also expressed interest in having Keno. The Commissioners noted that only one application could be approved now, and although they did approve a permit for Winners, Boss City Brewery would have to seek approval at a later commissioner's meeting.

Jon Cannon, Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, addressed the board on a variety of topics. He said the organization (NACO) was endeavoring to visit every county and attend at least one board meeting. The group is focused on advocacy and education concerning legislative matters. He said that an important County Budgeting workshop on June 12th in Kearney and urged those involved with county budgeting to attend. Cannon talked about taxes and the changes trying to be implemented by the Pillen administration, and the challenges they are facing. The recent drastic increase in valuations in Cheyenne County is upsetting taxpayers and when they see their valuations increase substantially, they assume a corresponding tax hike is coming. "This raising and lowering of tax valuations causes peaks and valleys, and an unstable source of revenue. Cannon said, "Although increases in valuation usually do correspond to an increase in taxes, it doesn't need to be that way."

"Overall, people don't understand taxes. A lot of what they get tax-wise says "Cheyenne County" on it, but it's all mandated by the state. Everything we do is dictated by the state, and then we have to be the bad people, sending out notices," said Miller.

"We're the Fall Guys for the state," added Sanders.

Cannon also mentioned that there is going to be a 1.6% decrease in insurance rates for Cheyenne County employees and that April was County Government Month. He also said lots of headway has been made on cybersecurity and that grants are still available from the Federal Government. Cannon said that although the legislature was unable to pass LB388, he anticipates a special session being called in July to work more on the bill.

Rob Eirich, Extension Educator, and Engagement Zone Coordinator, and Karen DeBoer, Extension Educator next spoke with the commissioners. Eirich discussed the new Interlocutor Agreement, which needed to be updated. Usually, if there were no changes to policies or nomenclatures by the Extension Office, these agreements would automatically be renewed. However, there has been a change in how the Extension Office determines how areas are covered. What used to be known as "Districts" are now called, "Engagement Zones", with some changes on how the geography fits into the Extension Office's coverage map. Commissioner Sanders said that County Attorney Paul Schaub will look at the new Interlocutor Agreement and make a decision on whether to approve or not at the next commissioner's meeting. Nancy DeBoer announced her retirement from the Extension Educator after 38 years of service. DeBoer spoke about all of the events and children served by 4-H and the Extension Office. This year alone between Farm Safety Day and Pesticide Training and other events, over 700 children from the area have participated in programs backed by 4-H and the Extension Office. Commissioner Miller spoke about DeBoer's outstanding work during her term of service, and how hard her shoes were going to be to fill by any newcomer in the position. He also noted that he hoped the State of Nebraska understands the urgency of filling DeBoer's position, as with Fair and other events coming up, the need for an Extension Educator is great. Miller said too often the state doesn't have the same sense of urgency to fill these positions as it should.

Brad Griffith of Spectrum next addressed the commissioners about a right-of-way issue at County Road 121 and County Road 30. Griffith said an approximately three-foot-tall cabinet must be built on this strip of property to house the equipment necessary to house a signal amplifier for Spectrum's service. Griffith says the construction should be without difficulty, and would require a concrete slab or small culvert to house the equipment. Commissioner Sanders suggested that County Highway Superintendent Doug Hart should go to the location and inspect the area to make sure that the project will not impact other wiring or systems, and Hart can give his opinion at the next commissioner's meeting.

Cheyenne County Tourism Director Kendra Mitchell and Visitor's Committee Chairman Brooke DeNovellis addressed the commissioners about securing a $6,000 grant for the Potter Lions Club for the 2024 Potter Car Bowl event. The request is up from last year's $5,000 request due to the Car Bowl adding some events like helicopter rides and bringing on a social media influencer to draw more attention to the event. The commissioners approved the $6,000 request. The pair also asked the commissioners to approve Matt Elston as a voting member of the Visitor's Committee and to approve Dana Hill as an alternate member, with terms from May 6, 2024, through December 31, 2027. The commissioners approved the request.

Finally, County Highway Superintendent Doug Hart said he is still trying to source used trucks and equipment, in particular a paint sprayer, but has run into some difficulties. He will continue to search. Meanwhile, he said most of the road work being done right now is graveling. He is still waiting for an update from the Nebraska Department of Transportation concerning work on an I-80 overpass in the county.