BROKEN BOW, Neb.— The Custer County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Tuesday morning in the Supervisors room in the courthouse. All supervisors were present.
Chris Jacobsen announces resignation
Toward the end of Tuesday’s meeting, County Highway Superintendent Chris Jacobsen came before the board to announce his resignation from the position, effective June 30.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity and experience of the last 33 1/2 years. I’ve been blessed with a career that was in no way one dimensional. The county and this department have become an integral part of my life,” said Jacobsen. “Thus, it is my wish to stay on assisting on issues, technical and otherwise, that will improve the future of this department.”
During his time as Highway Superintendent, Jacobsen said he had worked under 29 different County Supervisors, had over 120 different employees, and worked with between two to three treasurers, four surveyors, four clerks, four weed superintendents, four emergency managers, four assessors, four register of deeds, two sheriffs, and three county attorneys.
“This was a very hard decision, I wrestled with it for some time,” Jacobsen said. “Now for my third chapter (of life), you can’t keep chasing a dollar, there’s other things in life.”
The board thanked Jacobsen for his years of service. The indication was that several avenues were available to tackle the process of advertising the position, interviewing candidates, and choosing a replacement.
Possible Veterans Service Office movement met with opposition
Emory Haynes came before the board representing the Veterans Service Office, which is currently located in the west annex building near the courthouse. The topic of discussion was the possible movement of the office into the basement of the courthouse.
Reasoning given for the exploration of the movement were building upkeep costs and utility bills.
“The accessibility factor alone is enough of a reason why you should not move the VSO office,” said Haynes. “It works perfectly for the purpose it’s intended for and I’m afraid that if you try to put us in the courthouse there’s some other factors that probably would not be viewed positively by veterans.”
Haynes cited the ADA access of the building itself and its close proximity to the handicap parking lot were two main reasons the location shouldn’t be changed.
A veteran in attendance stated that the building’s privacy and not having to use the courthouse’s elevator were plusses for veterans who experience PTSD or claustrophobia.
The subject was tabled so that research could be put into grants for updating the building, which is on the National Historical Register and so that others involved in the office with Haynes would have an opportunity to participate by voicing their opinions.
Other items from Tuesday’s meeting
- Amanda Jeffres and Stephanie Gideon with Loup Basin Public Health Department (LBPHD) came before the board for an informative catch-up. The two stated that some programs will be expanded soon, including LBPHD’s involvement with WIC services which will bring them to Broken Bow two times a month. A launch of a new online platform called CredibleMind is planned for May, which offers a digital front door to a guided mental health path. In home oral health services are expected to expand soon. The subject of who is in charge of pool inspections was also brought up with the recent passing of LB759, bringing into question if the county, each city, or the health department is responsible.
- A resolution was passed allowing the County Treasurer the ability to invest County funds at Security First Bank in Broken Bow after the bank’s recent name change.
- A motor vehicle exemption application for Custer Care was approved unanimously, with a stated loss of $.14 to the County.
- Bill Patsios with Tri City Signs and Broken Bow City Zoning Administrator Jacob Holcomb came before the board regarding Heritage Bank’s desire to place a sign near the highway in the area of Dairy Queen and the Judicial Center in Broken Bow. The proposed site is on County property. Discussion was tabled citing the need for updated visuals depicting parcel ownerships, compensation for the County for the sign site (including the possibility of a Judicial Center sign being included in the install), and a general concern for using the space if it might be needed by the County at another time.
- Austin Partridge with Northland Securities continued bond discussion for asphalt resurfacing with the board, stating that there were no major changes in the bond market since his last visit. The desire voiced was to use $1 million from the County’s inheritance fund in combination with a $2.1 million bond, which would hold a maximum payment of $475,000 annually. Partridge said the bond sale could be executed by next week which would mean a potential closing date of May 21. Work will be in motion soon for a separate County account to be created to house the bond money.
- The board discussed the general need for grant writing assistance for several departments. Initial discussions had been had with individuals outside of the area who offer the service, but all board members were encouraged to brainstorm local options to bring forward for help in writing grants.
- The Extension Office, which is in the basement of the courthouse, expressed a desire to paint their office themselves. A concern with recent leaks possibly causing mold in the space was brought up and the board discussed pursuing a professional to conduct an inspection and a possible temporary move of the Extension Office while that inspection and cleaning (if needed) is accomplished.
Tuesday’s meeting adjourned at 10:28 AM.
