BROKEN BOW, NE – The Custer County Ag Society had one subject discussion, insurance, dominate a majority of the time in their nearly hour and a half board meeting Thursday night.
Insurance premium costs rising brought about careful consideration by the board on what could be afforded. Deep discussion on varying deductibles, down payments, and payment plans took place. The board in attendance ultimately unanimously approved a motion for a $5,000 deductible, 10 payment plan that removed the following barns from coverage: Barn 2, Barn 9, Chuckwagon/5&6, Barn 10, Grandstands, Barn 19, Barn 21, and Barn 22. Various reasonings for removing those particular buildings included construction materials use to construct them, age, and if they were open air structures.
Stan Sedlacek with the Elks Lodge addressed the board regarding a memorial project to honor Dahl Jungren. The project, a cement pad and two benches, would be in close proximity to the picnic shelter previously constructed by the Elks. Sedlacek said that Jungren and his wife in particular were an integral part of that project being completed. All labor and material for the bench area would be provided by their organization. The board unanimously approved. It was stated that the project should be done before the beginning of fair.
Casey Cooksley mentioned the possibility of a substantial grant that should be applied for by the board soon that he believed was a six figure amount that could be used for an animal barn.
Board Treasurer Bonnie Winters told the board that they currently pay $850 a month for accounting services, and continued discussion on getting a new quote after deciding on processes that could be completed by board members and staff. The board encouraged moving forward and eventually getting a new quote.
The discussion of wood chips being provided by the Ag Society for a fee at the Custer County Fair continued. It was stated that a majority of 4-H groups seemed in favor of the proposition. No decision was made and prices and load sizes would be researched.
The 4-H building and the upkeep and maintenance of the building itself and the landscaping surrounding it were discussed in the closing moments of the meeting. A suggestion was made to have a memorandum of understanding drafted that could be referred to in the future saying that the area inside the sidewalk around the 4-H building is the responsibility of 4-H groups to maintain.
Just before adjournment, discussion came up from members of the Elks Lodge in attendance that they would sponsor the teen dance this year and that money raised will go to two $400 scholarships that the group provides.
The board adjourned at 8:25 PM and will meet next on July 11.
