Commissioners discuss court topics, road plans

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County Commissioners approved a pay raise for a court official shared with the seven other counties served by District Judge Patrick Heng.

The board gave Heng permission to increase the court bailiff’s hourly salary from $17.50 to a base of $21 an hour, which translates to nearly $64,000 a year when benefits are added, about $1,700 increase.

The bailiff position was added in 2022 after Heng became district judge. While the bailiff is a Red Willow County employee, the county pays only 38% of the salary, collecting the rest from other seven counties through interlocal agreements.

Heng indicated the Nebraska Supreme Court is looking for ways to increase efficiency, such as establishing regional district courts and reducing the number of district judges, but he feels small local communities would balk at giving up their courtrooms.

While a push to end the inheritance taxes in Nebraska has stalled in the legislature, it may play a factor in such cost-saving efforts in the future.

After meeting with Clerk Magistrate Gretchen Wiebe, and District Court Clerk Lori O’Dea commissioners signed off on an agreement with the state to take possession, in five years, of new electronic equipment the state recently installed in local courtrooms.

Despite unsettled questions over the costs and benefits of armor coating vs. chip sealing, commissioners set 9:30 a.m. June 24 for the opening of gravel bids and 9:45 a.m. for armor coating bids.

Whlle the chip-sealing process is favored by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, it is considerably more expensive than armor coating, especially because the rock used has to be shipped in from Colorado.

While gravel bids are sought from local suppliers, all are expected to be rejected to comply with a state auditor’s opinion that the gravel has to be purchased from the winning bidder, even if that bidder cannot supply it.

Meeting as a board of equalization, commissioners approved a tax roll correction for Mike and Linda Nielsen, accelerating property taxes for a house that is being moved.

As part of the consent agenda, commissioners directed the county road superintendent to conduct a study of Road 724 between Roads 389 and 390 and make recommendations as to vacation or abandonment of the road.

The consent agenda also included reappointment of Matt Springer and Dr. Jason Blomstedt to the health board, with terms to expire in April 30, 2027; an oversized load permit for Rose Weskamp for moving a house; a road occupancy agreement for Viaero Fiber Networks. Special liquor licenses for the Roundup of Indianola and Tidy’s Sip & Seed LLC; a road occupant agreement with Quality Irrigation, and a letter of support for the Western Republican River Basin Riparian Habitat Improvement.

Correspondence included a notice of resumed water storage for the Van Fleet Reservoir, a notice of hearing for a trans-basin project by the Tri-Basin Natural Resources District, notice of input opportunity for Nebraska DOT high projects, and notice of a Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy modified construction and operating permit for a feedlot. The board also reviewed monthly revenue reports from the sheriff, county clerk and district court clerk and an annual Tax Increment Financing report from the City of McCook.

Before adjourning, commissioners conducted the quarterly jail inspection. Sheriff Kevin Darling said he was receiving applications to replace long-time Jail Administrator Dee Schilz, who died unexpectedly April 30.

Commissioners hope to find a local solution for a rust problem in the jail cells, possibly involving sand blasting and coating with an epoxy product.