Chase County commissioners reorganize, approve claims and make appointments
The Chase County Board of Commissioners reorganized for the new year, approved more than $271,000 in claims, adopted multiple resolutions and made several annual appointments during its organizational meeting Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Chase County Courthouse.
County Clerk Wendy Moe called the meeting to order at 8 a.m. Commissioners Billie Muehlenkamp, Jacci Brown and Kurt Bernhardt were present, along with Sheriff Kevin Mueller and Road Secretary Jordan Beard. The meeting had been properly noticed in the Imperial Republican and on the county website.
During reorganization, the board elected Bernhardt as chairman for the 2026 calendar year. Brown nominated Bernhardt, with Muehlenkamp seconding. Bernhardt abstained from the vote due to a conflict of interest. The motion carried unanimously.
Muehlenkamp was elected vice chairman following a nomination by Brown. Muehlenkamp abstained from voting on her own appointment.
The board approved the minutes of the Dec. 23, 2025, meeting and later approved claims totaling $271,744.06, including a net payroll of $91,771.36.
Commissioners adopted several annual resolutions, including Resolution 2026-1 designating the publication for legal notices, Resolution 2026-2 authorizing the county treasurer to invest county funds, and Resolution 2026-3 designating depositories, pay dates and related financial procedures. Copies of the resolutions are on file in the county clerk’s office.
During open forum, Chrisi Davis addressed the board with concerns regarding the county transit system. Davis cited scheduling challenges and asked whether drivers could be given more access to scheduling tools. She was also informed that transit services are not available for out-of-state travel or for non-county residents.
The board heard reports and discussion on several operational matters, including road equipment and maintenance. A representative from Murphy Tractor & Equipment discussed the potential sale or trade of a road grader, advising that the county may receive a better return through auction. Jason Speck also addressed the board regarding chainsaw repairs, and commissioners directed staff to replace one unit deemed not worth repairing.
Commissioners made several appointments for the year, including Duane Dreiling as emergency manager, Anthony Krajewski as highway superintendent, Richard DeWester as assistant highway superintendent, and Duane Todd as county veterans service officer. The board also approved a 3 percent wage increase for Todd.
County Attorney Joel Burke discussed a revised prairie dog management plan with commissioners. The board directed Burke to prepare a resolution for consideration at a future meeting.
The board also approved outside board assignments for commissioners, naming Muehlenkamp to several regional human services and juvenile boards, Brown to public health, development and fair-related boards, and Bernhardt to planning and zoning and the Chase County Community Hospital board.
Resolution 2026-4, setting official salaries for the 2027–2030 term as previously discussed at the December meeting, was approved. Commissioners also voted to surplus a nonworking vacuum from the Extension Office.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.