The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) recently hosted its 131st Annual Conference in Kearney, NE. The conference was held December 17-19 and brought together county leaders from across the state to discuss key issues facing local governments, participate in professional development, and celebrate outstanding public service.
In a statement, NACO Executive Director Jon Cannon reflected on the Conference. “Nebraska’s counties were the very first in our great country to decide to hold an annual conference way back in 1893. The settings and technology may have changed, but what has been constant is Nebraska’s public servants seeking innovation through their shared experiences. NACO could not be prouder to bring together the leaders of our communities and work on their behalf.”
The theme of this year’s conference was “All In,” which celebrated Nebraska’s achievement of reaching 100% membership in the National Association of Counties (NACo). Attendees shared their “all in” stories about what drives their commitments to serving their constituents.
Attendees took part in breakout sessions that gave them an opportunity to connect with their counterparts from across the state and discuss the challenges and priorities of their positions. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including but not limited to, FEMA reform, salary guidelines, and public records.
County officials had an opportunity to connect with the more than 100 exhibitors and state and federal partners who provide resources and products that assist county government operations.
On Thursday morning, attendees heard speeches from Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and NACo President J.D. Clark. Both spoke about the importance of strong local leadership.
Six of the Custer County’s Board of Supervisors seven members attended the meeting, along with several other County officials.
Custer County Treasurer Sheri Bryant told KCNI/KBBN that there was a wealth of information available to those who were in attendance. Bryant, who is a member of Custer County’s Salary Committee noted the Salary Setting session had to be moved to a new room to accommodate the number of Nebraska officials concerned about the topic.
Among other sessions she attended though, the session on medical marijuana in the workplace raised a number of sticky questions as Bryant considered issues that hadn’t been previously raised in regard to loosening regulations on the drug.
NACO stated that the large number of attendees and their engagement in a variety off issues at Annual Conference once again demonstrated the dedication and professionalism of Nebraska’s county officials as they continue to work together to serve their communities.
