BROKEN BOW, Neb.— The Custer County Board of Supervisors met in regular session for just short of two hours on Tuesday morning starting at 9 AM.
Toward the end of the meeting, public hearings were held for the possible closure of road 351 outside of Sargent, data center regulations that were passed to the board from the planning commission, and a possible temporary moratorium on battery energy storage systems.
Landowners alongside road 351 came before the board to express their support of the closure, saying the road hasn’t been graded since the floods that happened several years ago. They did express an interest in an easement agreement since a party would be land locked with the closure of the road. Ultimately the board decided to give the township its 120 days time to decide if they want to maintain the road. During that time, they will check to see if the county is to have involvement in the easement process or if the private parties handle it themselves.
Ahead of the public hearing regarding data center regulations that were put in the hands of the supervisors from the planning commission last week, Zoning Administrator Darci Tibbs made a statement regarding the process.
“The purpose of these regulations is to not encourage or attract data centers, but to make sure that if one is proposed in Custer County, we have appropriate standards and safeguards in place to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens, and to protect the ag and rural character of the county,” said Tibbs.
Hear the full statement from Tibbs here:
No members of the public came forward to make a statement during the public hearing and a resolution will appear for consideration by the board at an upcoming meeting.
Tibbs also made a statement expressing the planning commission’s desire for a 12 month moratorium on battery energy storage systems so that ample time could be given to researching them and working toward regulations.
Tibbs explained that the systems typically include battery units or containers, inverters, transformers, cooling equipment, electrical controls, monitoring systems, and safety equipment. The facilities can range from small systems serving one property to large commercial or utility scale facilities that can occupy multiple acres and connect to the electrical grid.
No members of the public came forward to speak and a resolution that would put the moratorium in place will be on an upcoming agenda.
Other items from Tuesday’s meeting:
- The Cozad Road and Dunning Road were approved for closure for next year’s Sandhills Open Road Challenge races that happen in Custer County. (August 13 and 14 respectively)
- One parcel in the county was delinquent and on the report to the county, attached to two years worth of taxes at $327.11 and a utility assessment of $3,091.06
- It was reported by the treasurer that nine of the 43 distress warrants issued to the Sheriff remain uncollected and have been returned. The initial amount certified, including interest and fees was $52,611.63. The Sheriff’s office collected $36,314.60. Those not returned were for a variety of reasons including no property being found or bankruptcies. The $8,467.15 was approved to be stricken from the tax rolls.
- A representative from Oak Creek Engineering came before the board with an amendment request for engineering services on the Anselmo south road project, stating that the quote given for service hours came in low and additional funds were needed. The original quote of $30,400 was eclipsed and the ask was for $15,250 worth of service hour dollars. The amendment passed with supervisors Markham and Kleeb voting no.
- Mark Rempe was appointed as the voting member for the East Central 911 Region board, with Chip Blowers as alternate
- A motor vehicle tax exemption for Callaway Hospital District was approved for a tax loss of $239.65
- Applications to cross right-of-way were approved for Hamilton Telecommunications for projects outside of Mason City as well as private landowners for culvert work outside of Oconto and on Victoria Springs Road
- During public comments, Zelle HR representatives came forward to announce that the person from their company working with the county would be changing and to introduce her
