July 14, 2015
BANNER COUNTY
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION PROCEEDINGS
The Banner County Board of Equalization met in special session in the Commissioners’ room of the Banner County Courthouse on July 14, 2015. This is in accordance with the adjournment of the July 7, 2015 meeting and notice published in the Scottsbluff Star Herald and posting notices in Harrisburg, NE at the Post Office, the Banner County School, and at the clerk’s office and on the front window of the Banner County Courthouse. Proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk and is made a part of the proceedings by reference.
The agenda for the meeting was kept current and was available during the regular business hours at the office of the County Clerk. A copy was emailed to each board member on July 10, 2015. The agenda was not amended less than 24 hours prior to the meeting.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at the hour of 10:00 a.m. Present on roll call were: Chairman Robert J Gifford; Vice Chairman John-Robert Faden; Sharon Sandberg, Assessor, and Lori Hostetler, Clerk. Also present at various times: Jerry Morris; Charles Klutts, and Dan Barrett.
The Chairman stated that the open meetings law is posted on the meeting room wall and that paper copies are available on the table in the corner of the room.
The agenda was examined, and Faden moved to approve as presented. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Faden, yes.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
Item #1- Certification by the assessor that a copy of the portion of the property record file which substantiates the calculation of the protest value is maintained in the assessor's office. –Sharon Sandberg, County Assessor certified to the board that any information that is in the property record cards and any information from the hearings are maintained in the assessor’s office and copies are available.
Item #2 - Protest Hearings
Robert Gifford, Chairman called the hearings to order at 10:02 a.m.
15-4 – Petro West Energy Co.
Protest was withdrawn.
15-5 – Charles L. Klutts
Charles Klutts gave testimony stating why he wants a valuation change. He stated that there isn’t a well on the property. He said he hasn’t been able to sell the house, and it has been vacant since 2007.
15- 6 – Jerry D. Morris
Jerry Morris stated that he believed that an increase of 40% was out of line and asked why it had went up so much.
15-2 – Dan Barrett
Dan Barrett noted that he had filled out the protest form incorrectly when writing in the protested and requested valuation amounts. He detailed information on the grain bins and the site where they are located. He noted that they are small bins that are not desirable, nor convenient. He submitted an exhibit which stated what he had paid for the bins and also listed comparable sales of other bins sold in the county.
15-1 – Dan and Donna Tank
Protest was reviewed.
15-3 – James Stauffer
Protest was reviewed.
15-7 – Marie C. Safford
Protest was reviewed.
15-8 – Harry and Marie C. Safford
Protest was reviewed.
Robert Gifford, Chairman closed the hearings at 11:29 a.m.
3. Discussion and possible decisions on protest hearings –
15-1 – Dan and Donna Tank
Assessor’s recommendation – To reduce the house to storage. The increase in the land value is due to the Home Site value increase.
Faden made a motion to accept the assessor’s recommendation and to reduce the house to storage, with a buildings value of $20,339 and a total valuation of $36,084. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Faden, yes.
15-2 – Dan Barrett
Assessor’s recommendation - Because all grain bins are valued the same throughout the county, the values should remain the same. All small grain bins in the county will be reviewed for 2016.
After discussion, Gifford made a motion to value the buildings at $3,294 based on functional depreciation based on the size and location of the grain bins and that the value of the land remains the same. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Faden, yes.
15-3 – James Stauffer
Assessor’s recommendation - The house should be reduced to salvage and $100 should be taken off for outbuildings.
Faden made a motion to accept the assessor’s recommendation and change the house to salvage and the total value to $86,450. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford,yes; Faden, yes.
15-4 – Petro West Energy Co.
Protest was withdrawn.
15-5 Charles L. Klutts
Assessor’s recommendation – To change the Home Site to a Half Home Site, taking off $7500.
Gifford made a motion to accept the assessor’s recommendation and value the land at $5,680 based on Half Home Site because no water is available and to leave the buildings at $113,744. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Faden, yes.
15-6 – Jerry D. Morris
Assessor’s recommendation – Value remains the same because all Home Sites and Rural Residence Sites went up.
Gifford made a motion to leave the property values the same because no evidence was presented to warrant a change. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Faden, yes.
15-7 – Marie C. Safford
Assessor’s recommendation – Value remains the same because CRP only raised on the average of $2 per acre, and grass increased 18%.
Gifford made a motion to leave the valuation the same because no evidence was presented to change it. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Faden, yes; Gifford, yes.
15-8 – Harry and Marie C. Safford
Assessor’s recommendation - Value remains the same because CRP only raised on the average of $2 per acre, and grass increased 18%. All Home Site and Farm Sites increased.
Faden made a motion that the values remain the same because there was no proof that it needed to be changed. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Faden, yes.
Faden made a motion to adjourn the Banner County Board of Equalization meeting at 12:03 p.m. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Faden, yes. The next regular meeting will be held in regular session on July 21, 2015 or at the call of the clerk. A full agenda of the matters to be considered at such date and time is kept continually current and is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Banner County Clerk in the Courthouse in Harrisburg.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
BANNER COUNTY, NEBRASKA
BANNER COUNTY
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION PROCEEDINGS
The Banner County Board of Equalization met in regular session in the Commissioners’ room of the Banner County Courthouse on July 21, 2015. This is in accordance with the adjournment of the July 14, 2015 meeting and notice published in the Scottsbluff Star Herald and posting notices in Harrisburg, NE at the Post Office, the Banner County School, and at the clerk’s office and on the front window of the Banner County Courthouse. Proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk and is made a part of the proceedings by reference.
The agenda for the meeting was kept current and was available during the regular business hours at the office of the County Clerk. A copy was emailed to each board member on July 17, 2015. The agenda was not amended less than 24 hours prior to the meeting.
The chairman called the meeting to order at the hour of 8:31 a.m. Present on roll call were: Chairman Robert J Gifford; Vice Chairman John-Robert Faden; Member Robert Post; Sharon Sandberg, Assessor; Jim Zimmerman, Attorney, and Lori Hostetler, Clerk. Also present at various times: Tom Neal, Highway Superintendent and Troy Hilyard.
The chairman stated that the open meetings law is posted on the meeting room wall and that paper copies are available on the table by the door.
The agenda was examined, and Faden moved to approve as presented. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Faden, yes.
The minutes of the previous meeting had been supplied to each board member. Faden moved to approve the minutes for July 7, 2015 and that the actions therein be ratified. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Faden, yes: Post, abstain.
CORRESPONDENCE- None
ITEMS OF BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. Receive assessor's three year plan – Sharon Sandberg, Assessor presented her three year plan. She said that everything is the same as last year's except that she will be reviewing range 54.
2. Assessment roll corrections - Sharon presented a list of three corrections that are needed. Post made a motion to approve the assessment roll corrections. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Post, yes: Faden, yes.
Faden made a motion to adjourn the Banner County Board of Equalization meeting at 8:43 a.m. Second by Post. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Faden, yes. The next meeting will be held in regular session on August 4, 2015 or at the call of the clerk. A full agenda of the matters to be considered at such date and time is kept continually current and is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Banner County Clerk in the Courthouse in Harrisburg.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
BANNER COUNTY, NEBRASKA
July 21, 2015
BANNER COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
The Banner County Board of Commissioners met in regular session in the Commissioners’ room of the Banner County Courthouse on July 21, 2015. This is in accordance with the adjournment of the July 7, 2015 meeting and notice published in the Scottsbluff Star Herald and posting notices in Harrisburg, NE at the Post Office, the Banner County School, the clerk’s office, and on the front window of the Banner County Courthouse. Proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk and is made a part of the proceedings by reference.
The agenda for the meeting was kept current and was available during the regular business hours at the office of the County Clerk. A copy was e- mailed to each board member on July 17, 2015. The agenda was not amended less than 24 hours prior to the meeting.
The chairman called the meeting to order at the hour of 8:45 a.m. with the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Present on roll call were Chairman Robert J Gifford; Vice Chairman John-Robert Faden; Member Robert Post; Tom Neal, Highway Superintendent; Jim Zimmerman, Attorney; Troy Hilyard; Delia Burchfield; Tom Holyoke; Dave Sands, and Lori Hostetler, Clerk. Also present at various times: Monty Stoddard, Treasurer; Art Olsen, and Cris Burks, Weed Superintendent.
The chairman stated that the open meetings law is posted on the meeting room wall and that paper copies are available on the table by the door.
The agenda was examined and Post moved to approve. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Post, yes; Faden, yes.
The minutes of the previous meeting had been supplied to each board member. Faden moved to approve the minutes for July 7, 2015 and that the actions therein be ratified: Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Faden, yes; Gifford, yes.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Banner County School District stating that they had accepted the bid from
Peetz Farmers CO-OP of $0.81 a gallon for LP gas for the upcoming year.
CLAIMS
The following claims were audited, and Post moved that the claims be approved, and warrants ordered drawn on the respective funds. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Faden, yes; Gifford, yes.
General: AS Central Services – OCIO, data processing - 117.80; Ballew Covalt Hazen PC, LLO, misc - 85.00; Banner County Court, cc costs - 65.00; C-Weed Management LLC, contracted services - 5,816.66; Centurylink, phone - 511.69; GIS Workshop, GIS - 2,750.00; High West Energy, lights - 552.00; Holiday Inn Express – Beatrice, lodging - 249.00; Margaret Hopkins, supplies - 4.25; Kimball Auto Parts, LLC, car repair - 105.99; Fred A Lockwood & Co, PC, audit - 9,800.55; Marshall & Swift, dues - 614.20; Nebraska State Treasurer, refunds - 197.17; NSA & POAN Conference Fund, dues - 95.00; Off Broadway Office Supply, supplies - 106.62; Panhandle Coop Association, fuel - 229.25; Verizon Wireless, phone - 59.62
Road: Centurylink, phone - 161.32; Davco Manufacturing Ltd, repairs - 865.10; High West Energy, lights - 148.00; Kimball Auto Parts, LLC, shop supplies - 542.14; NMC Exchange LLC, repair parts - 1,377.17; Panhandle Coop Association, fuel - 7,112.00; Powerplan, machinery repairs - 16.31; Verizon Wireless, phone - 52.78; Western Pathology Consult. Inc., drug testing - 40.50; Wyrulec Co, lights - 26.70; Motor Fuels Division, Fuel - 173.00
ITEMS OF BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
Item #1 – Review of county audit for the year ended June 30, 2014 - Troy Hilyard with FALCO - Troy Hilyard with FALCO reported that there were no significant audit findings. He indicated that everything was in good shape. He said there were two issues that needed to be addressed in the future: the monthly and quarterly tracking of tax list corrections and transferring budget authority within a fund when needed.
Item #2 – Review and possible approval of a Conservation Easement between Lazy Three “J” Ranch, Inc. and The Nebraska Land Trust – Tom Holyoke – Tom Holyoke, attorney for Delia Burchfield presented the easement and indicated that almost all of the property of Lazy Three “J” Ranch, Inc. would go into the conservation easement. The commissioners asked Delia Burchfield to discuss why she desires to put the land into a Conservation Easement. She explained that because she has no heirs, she wants to insure that the land stays the same. Faden made a motion to approve the Conservation Easement between Lazy Three “J” Ranch, Inc. and The Nebraska Land Trust and to authorize the chairman to sign. Second by Post. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Faden, yes.
Item #3 – Discussion and possible action on how HSA account benefits are paid for newly –hired employees – After discussion, Gifford made a motion that the full year amount will be prorated based on when the coverage begins. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Faden, yes; Post, yes.
Item #4 – Discussion and possible action on application and credit limit for road department credit card – There was discussion whether there is a need for another credit card. Because Sharon Sandberg is listed as the responsible party, Gifford made a motion to authorize her to raise the limit on the current credit card to $2000. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Faden, yes; Gifford, yes; Post, no.
REPORTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bob Post reported that he attended the National Associations of Counties Annual Conference. He discussed the county prescription drug card that is available to all county residents. It can be picked up at the courthouse or is available through a link on the county’s website: bannercountynegov.org. He also discussed that there is possible funding available to repair roads through the Near Zero Deaths program.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Tom Neal, Highway Superintendent reported that the mower has been repaired, and the packer is in. Gifford said he had received another complaint on Road 35 and said that it needs to be fixed.
COUNTY TREASURER REPORT
Monty Stoddard, Treasurer presented the semi-annual report which was published in the paper and is available on the county website. He said he will be attending a legislative committee meeting on tax sales on August 31st.
COUNTY CLERK REPORT
Lori Hostetler, County Clerk presented the clerk and the clerk of the district court fee reports. She said she had called the insurance company regarding damage to the courthouse roof from the recent hail storm. She stated that she is finishing up the protest decisions and is working on the preliminary budget worksheets, and reminded that inventories are due by the end of August.
Item #5 – Evaluation of highway superintendent - Post made a motion to go into executive session to do the evaluation of the highway superintendent and to prevent needless injury to the reputation of an individual. Second by Faden. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Faden, yes.
Executive session to evaluate the highway superintendent called at 9:51 a.m. Present for executive session: Chairman Robert J Gifford; Vice Chairman John-Robert Faden; Member Robert Post, and Tom Neal, Highway Superintendent.
Faden made a motion to come out of executive session which was called to evaluate the highway superintendent and in order to prevent needless injury to the reputation of an individual. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Faden, yes; Gifford, yes; Post, yes.
No action was taken.
10:28 a.m. – Regular meeting was resumed.
SURVEYOR REPORT
Cris Burks, Weed Superintendent reported that she had served some individual notices, and there has been action taken by some of the land owners to correct the problems. She also said she has been doing some inspections.
No other reports.
Items discussed not on the agenda: Art Olsen commented on holes on Road 35 and stated that they need to be fixed.
Faden made a motion to adjourn the meeting of the Banner County Board of Commissioners at 10:48 a.m. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Faden, yes. The next meeting will be held in regular session on August 4, 2015 or at the call of the clerk. A full agenda of the matters to be considered at such date and time is kept continually current and is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Banner County Clerk in the Courthouse in Harrisburg.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BANNER COUNTY, NEBRASKA