BROKEN BOW – The Custer County Board of Supervisors met for their regular meeting Tuesday morning, August 12th . Only District 3 Supervisor Barry Fox was absent.
County Clerk Connie Gracey to resign
During Tuesday’s meeting, Custer County Clerk Constance Gracey announced her September 1st resignation after 38 years with the county – 22 years as the County Clerk. District 5 Supervisor Chip Blowers stated Gracey’s experience will be greatly missed, a sentiment shared by many on the board.
Gracey recommended Deputy Clerk Kelly Jacobsen as her replacement. Per state statute, Jacobsen will fill the role after formal appointment by the Board until Gracey’s term is up in September 2026.
Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) provides update
Luke Bonkiewicz with NACO provided the board with information about support provided by his organization, including an online dashboard that allows officials to quickly compare pay rates and benefits when hiring county employees and officials.
NACO also informs state officials about the impacts of unfunded or under-funded mandates to counties resulting from state statutes, is tracking the rural broadband programs funded by federal grants, and provides a website highlighting programs and facilities in all 93 counties across Nebraska.
Supervisor Tammy Kleeb noted that the Governor’s call-in show referred questions on inheritance taxes to county supervisors. Bonkiewicz noted that eliminating inheritance tax will reduce funds available for counties to provide common services, and is studying ways to make up that funding.
More information about NACO can be found on their website, NebraskaCounties.org
Interlocal Airport Agreement report given
Robert Staab provided an update on activities at the Broken Bow Municipal Airport. Staab reported that with the help of matching funds from the county, the airport has been able to upgrade navigation aids, as well as update approach lighting dating from the 1960s.
This year will bring an airport terminal rehab project to fix a damaged roof and other interior work, reported to cost about $280,000. Next year is slated for work on the runway and taxiways.
Staab noted that the airport provides fuel services to the air ambulance and specialty doctors that arrive weekly, as well as providing a base for state and federal powerline inspection helicopters.
In response to a question from supervisor Kleeb, Staab noted that repairs had been recently carried out on the fuel tanks and that they are back up and functioning. Staab ended by thanking the supervisors for their support as they continue to improve airport facilities.
Custer County Historical Society provides supervisors with personal histories
Tammy Hendrickson of the Custer County Museum likewise was present to address the Board regarding Historical Society activities, thanking the Supervisors for their past support.
As part of her presentation, Hendrickson highlighted recent acquisitions and displays in the museum as well as events that the museum has sponsored such as the recent classic car show. Next summer will bring a traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit titled “Spark – the Places of Innovation”. The exhibit will highlight the creations of “Barnyard engineers”. Hendrickson noted, “Every farmer or rancher has had to make something”.
Hendrickson then presented each supervisor with a packet about their families
containing news clippings, letters and other historical documents found in the museum.
Hendrickson told the supervisors that insurance costs are rising and becoming a major issue state wide and requested $10,000.
Custer County Ag Society gives budget updates
Custer County Ag Society President Brian Palmer provided the Supervisors with an
update on Fairgrounds activities. The Ag Society is budgeting about $190,000 this year, up from $185,000 last year.
Palmer reported on updated accounting at the Ag Society, noting that the prior system was overly complicated and difficult to track. A new process was implemented July 1 that should simplify tracking income and expenses, increasing transparency to the Board and public.
Palmer also noted three seats on the Ag Society Board will be available in upcoming elections and asked anyone interested to consider running.
Other board items from Tuesday’s meeting
Other business conducted by the Supervisors included an upcoming inspection of the Health and Human Services building on report of a roof leak, and discussion of how reduced budgets may require more fundraising at the Prairie Pioneer Center.
The county roads department will survey a section of Road #1094 in Cliff Township to be vacated. A request from the township indicated they are not able to maintain the road which has been impassible for some time, and was severely impacted by a recent fire.
