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 November 5, 2019. This is in accordance with the adjournment of the October 15, 2019 meeting and notice published in the Scottsbluff Star Herald and posting notices in Harrisburg, NE at the Post Office, the Banner County School, 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 November 1, 2019. 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 Post; Vice Chairman Robert J. Gifford; Member Sharon Sandberg; Bernice Huffman, Assessor, Mark Kovarik, Attorney; Tom Neal, Highway Superintendent; Toney Krajewski, Evelyn Browne, Wittni Boettcher, and Lisa Cross, County Clerk. Also present at various times: Jodi Peterson.
The chairman stated that the open meetings law is posted on the meeting room window and that paper copies are available on the table by the door.
The agenda was examined, and Gifford moved to approve as presented. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
The minutes of the previous meeting had been supplied to each board member. Sandberg moved to approve the minutes for October 15, 2019 and that the actions therein be ratified. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Sandberg, yes; Post, yes; Gifford, yes.
CORRESPONDENCE – None
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
ITEMS OF BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD -
Item #1 – Discussion and approval of a Tax List Correction – Bernice Huffman, Assessor, presented a Tax List Correction. Motion made by Sandberg to approve the Tax List Correction, Send by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Item #2 – Discussion and possible action of correction of Levy Resolution – Bernice Huffman, Assessor, presented a correction of levies. Motion made and carried by Gifford to approve and sign the Resolution 19-18 correcting the levies. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Gifford made a motion to adjourn the Banner County Board of Equalization meeting at 8:38 a.m. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Sandberg, yes; Gifford, yes. The next meeting will be held in regular session on November 19, 2019 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
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
The Banner County Board of Commissioners met in regular session in the Commissioners’ room of the Banner County Courthouse on November 5, 2019. This is in accordance with the adjournment of the October 15, 2019 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 emailed to each board member on November 1, 2019. 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. Present on roll call were: Chairman Robert Post; Vice Chairman Robert J. Gifford; Member Sharon Sandberg; Bernice Huffman, Assessor; Mark Kovarik; County Attorney; Tom Neal, Highway Superintendent; Toney Krajewski, Assistant Highway Superintendent; Evelyn Browne; Wittni Boettcher; Jodi Peterson, and Lisa Cross, Clerk. Also present at various times Monty Stoddard, Treasurer and Buck Hottell, Weed Superintendent.
The chairman stated that the open meetings law is posted on the meeting room window and that paper copies are available on the table by the door.
The agenda was examined and Sandberg moved to approve as presented. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Sandberg, yes; Gifford, yes; Post, yes.
The minutes of the previous meeting had been supplied to each board member. Gifford moved to approve the minutes for October 15, 2019 and that the actions therein be ratified. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Post, yes; Sandberg, yes.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from NACO for election procedures. Gifford will place the vote for Banner County.
Letter from the Attorney General about the opioid crisis.
A chart from Panhandle Wellness Program showing where Banner County’s progress at with the three
categories that were picked to work on.
A check and letter from NIRMA for the dividends.
CLAIMS
The following claims were audited, and Sandberg moved that the claims be approved and warrants ordered drawn on the respective funds. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes; Post, yes.
GENERAL FUND
Blue Cross Blue Shield, health in s. - 13,208.28; Centurylink, telephone- 665.09; City Of Scottsbluff, contract - 1,050.00; Comfort Inn, travel-lodging - 293.85; Country Inn And Suites Kearney, lodging - 252.00; Lisa Cross, mileage- 325.96; DAS State Acct-Central Finance, data processing - 118.84; First Concord Benefits Group, LLC ,health ins. - 136.79;
High West Energy, lights - 563.00; Margaret Hopkins, reimb-ins. - 55.51; Ideal Linen Supply, janitorial - 98.77;
Kimball County Treasurer, extension expenses - 6,278.23; Mailfinance, postage - 149.97; MCI, telephone - 34.04; NACO, registration - 125.00; North Platte NRD, water - 36.02; Panhandle Worksite Wellness Counsel, dues - 62.50;
Staples Credit Plan, supplies - 67.93; Monty A. Stoddard, mileage - 290.00; US Bank, supplies - 289.38;
USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, state contract - 1,263.04; Wildcat Surveying, contract - 1,600.00
Sandra Beals, wages - 522.50
Jennifer Reinninger, wages - 1,023.00
Lisa Cross, salary - 3,350.00
Robert Gifford, salary - 680.00
Carl Gilbert, salary - 83.33
Margaret Hopkins, salary - 440.00
Lori Hostetler, wages - 840.00
Bernice Huffman, salary - 3,350.00
Stanley McKnight, salary - 4,243.33
Kathy Natale, wages - 1,934.50
Robert Post, salary - 680.00
Sharon Sandberg, salary - 680.00
Monty Stoddard, salary - 3,350.00
AFLAC, insurance - 458.64
Ameritas Life Ins. Co. , retirement - 2,114.97
Ameritas Vision, insurance - 141.27
Banner Capital Bank, hlth. svg - 1,766.65
Banner Capital Bank, withholding - 4,287.41
Legalshield, insurance - 101.65
NE Dept. of Revenue, withholding - 525.64
Colonial Life, insurance - 29.48
**All salaries and wages listed above are gross wages
ROAD FUND
AJK Services, LLC, hwy supt-contract - 50.00; Blue Cross Blue Shield, health ins. - 12,959.24; Harold L Brown Farms, Inc., gravel & borrow - 2,595.00; Centurylink, phone - 184.94; Darnall Ranch Inc., gravel/hardpan - 120.00;
First Concord Benefits Group, LLC, health ins- 1,824.41; Matheson Tri-Gas Inc, shop supplies- 28.07; Menards,
shop supplies- 8.99; Thomas M. Neal, mileage- 262.16; North Platte NRD, water- 33.72; Panhandle Worksite Wellness Counsel, dues - 62.50
Jay Dove, wages - 2,446.28
Timothy Grubbs, wages - 2,753.28
Jacob Kaiser, wages - 2,521.58
Robert Leaf, wages - 2,451.32
Terry Morris, wages - 2,382.59
Cory Natale, wages - 2,251.87
Kathy Natale, wages - 556.50
Tom Neal, salary - 3,211.98
George Streeks, wages - 2,559.43
Laryl Taggart, wages - 2,373.60
AFLA,C, insurance - 679.96
Ameritas Life Ins. Co. , retirement - 2,597.24
Ameritas Vision, insurance - 79.09
Banner Capital Bank, hlth. svg - 1,333.32
Banner Capital Bank, withholding - 5,146.29
Legalshield, insurance - 57.80
NE Dept. of Revenue, withholding - 654.21
Colonial , insurance - 40.63
**All salaries and wages listed above are gross wages
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Discussed that there has been no communication with Vistabeam for approximately six months.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
Item #1 –Discuss and possible action on the Resolution for the Year-End Certification of County Highway Superintendent – After discussion Gifford made a motion to approve the Year-End Certification and authorize the Board Chairman to sign. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Gifford made a motion to approve and sign Resolution 19-19. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Item #2 – Review and possible action on applications received for the County Clerk position – All applicants were questioned and allowed to voice the reasons they would be the best candidate for the job.
Recess was taken for fifteen minutes. Reconvene at 9:50.
Item #2 –Review and possible action on applications received for the County Clerk position - Continued. Motion made by Sandberg to appoint Lisa Cross as Banner County Clerk until 2022. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Item #3 – Discuss and possible action on the Management Representation Letter and Exit Interview with auditor Don Wilson – In the exit interview, Don Wilson, auditor, said Banner County is still in good standing. The extreme weather has cost the county money. He was pleased to report that he had no findings.
Gifford made the motion to have the Board Chairman sign the Management Representation Letter. Second by Sandberg, Roll Call Vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Item #4 – Discuss and possible action on new rates for Scotts Bluff County Detention Center - After reading the letter and discussion, Gifford made a motion to approve the new rates and authorize the Board Chairman to sign. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Item #5 – Discussion and approval of the Annual Road Report – After reviewing the Annual Road Report, it was determined some dates need corrected. This item is tabled till later in the meeting.
Item #6 – Discussion and possible action on the purchase of a county vehicle - Gifford is looking at a possible vehicle for purchase. It was discussed that purchasing a car port would be good to protect the new vehicle.
Item #7 – Discussion and possible action on renewal of contract for Weed Superintendent – Buck Hottell, Weed Superintendent, reported that this year went well. Due to the continuing education and possible need to purchase additional equipment, Buck wanted to know if Banner County would like to renew his contract with them. After discussion, Gifford made a motion to extend the contract for a year. Second by Sandberg. Roll Call Vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Item #5 – continued - Discussion and approval of the Annual Road Report – The dates were corrected. Sandberg made a motion to approve and authorize the Board Chairman to sign. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bob Gifford, Vice Chairman, said that Megan Koppenhafer from PADD mentioned she would be glad to come out to a comprehensive planning and zoning meeting and PADD could to assist with the planning. The group needs to get things formalized and start regular meetings.
Bob Gifford, Vice-Chairman, had the Nebraska Panhandle Region Mass Fatality Plan. It will be on the next agenda.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
Tom Neal, Highway Superintendent, reported that he attended the Regional Local Road Conference last month in Rapid City. There are bridge inspections to do this month. They are using a new gravel pit. Banner County will be getting financial help from both NEMA and FEMA.
ATTORNEY
Mark Kovarik, County Attorney, reported that there has been a steady stream of County Court traffic.
He has both County Court and District Court coming up.
TREASURER
Monty Stoddard, Treasurer, attended a Legislative Workshop. They are working with the DMV on the Victory System. Tax statements are almost ready to go out. The Pledge Collateral will stay the same.
CLERK
Lisa Cross, Clerk, went to the Election Workshop in Kearney. Heather Doxom from the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office will be coming to Harrisburg to do some one-on-one training. The Clerk Fee Report and District Fee Report were presented.
No other reports.
Sandberg made a motion to adjourn the meeting of the Banner County Board of Commissioners at 10:57 a.m. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Sandberg, yes; Post, yes; Gifford, yes. The next meeting will be held in regular session on November 19, 2019 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
