County Commissioners consider vehicle exemptions, appoint new Assessor

McCOOK, Neb. - The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Tuesday, addressing a range of topics, including motor vehicle exemptions, the scheduling of public hearings, and the appointment of a new county assessor.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, followed by a review of accounts payable and payroll claims.

Acting as the Board of Equalization, the commissioners reviewed motor vehicle tax exemptions for vehicles operated by non-profit organizations. Twenty-three vehicles were approved for exemptions, 15 of which were operated by Community Hospital and related entities, with the remainder being owned by churches and civic organizations. All requested tax exemptions were approved by the board.

Reconvening as the Board of Commissioners, the consent agenda was presented for approval. Items on the consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the prior board meeting, accounts payable in the amount of $451,935.29, the Nebraska Juvenile Services contract, and the reappointment of Tracy Zink to the County Extension Board for a term expiring in December 2027.

Also on the agenda was an extension of county road occupancy for the Cambridge Telephone Company for an additional six months in an area north of Bartley as well as a resolution to transfer funds as an accounting adjustment.

The decision to reappoint Commissioner Randy Dean and Naomi Olson to the Hillcrest Nursing Home Board was pulled from the consent agenda at Dean’s request. Dean removed the item so he could recuse himself from voting on his own confirmation but still vote on the remainder of the consent agenda. The board approved the remaining items on the consent agenda with a 3-0 vote.

The board then considered the Hillcrest appointment separately, with Dean abstaining, and approved the appointments 2-0.

The board scheduled hearings for Monday, January 13, to discuss the Holliday Subdivision preliminary and final plats. The subdivision in question does not involve a housing development but instead concerns dividing one rural lot into two. A hearing was also scheduled to consider a dredging operation by McCook Sand and Gravel on the same day. The hearings are set for 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., respectively.

Finally, the board voted to appoint Deputy County Assessor Lori Stevens as the replacement for outgoing County Assessor Kristi Korell. Stevens will assume office effective January 15 and complete Korell’s term.