Chase County Commissioners approve road project, address audit concerns and employee wages

By Julie Thayer
 High Plains News ( From The Minutes)
The Chase County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at the Chase County Courthouse. Chairman Jacci Brown called the meeting to order at 8 a.m., with Commissioners Billie Muehlenkamp and Kurt Bernhardt and County Clerk Wendy Moe present.
No public comments were made during the open forum, and commissioners proceeded with the day’s agenda.
Weed Management and Claims
John Rundel of Southwest Weed Management presented an update and requested a letter of support for the 2026–2027 grant cycle. The board approved the request unanimously. Commissioners also approved county claims and minutes from both the July 22 regular meeting and the Aug. 1 budget workshop.
Surplus Property
The board declared several items surplus, including an old office chair, a non-working steam cleaner, a non-working welder, and an outdated Lenovo laptop. All were approved for disposal.
Wauneta Senior Center Request
Representatives from the Wauneta Senior Center requested KENO funds to help replace flooring in the south half of their building. Commissioners expressed willingness to allocate funds but asked for firm cost estimates before making a decision.
Audit and Compliance
Resolution 2025-16 certifying compliance with Nebraska’s road classifications and standards was approved. Auditor Don Wilson then presented findings from the FY24–25 audit.
Ambulance Accounts: As of June 30, 2025, the county had $143,923 in uncollected ambulance accounts. Commissioners agreed the debts were uncollectible and directed the Ambulance Administrator to prepare a resolution to formally write them off. Monthly ambulance reports will be required moving forward.
County Fair Accounts: Accounts were not reconciled until July 2025, requiring a journal entry of $60,034 to balance records. Three CDs totaling $28,224 were also not included in the ledger. The board agreed with the auditor’s recommendation for monthly reconciliations and suggested the Fair Board hire a professional bookkeeper.
Road and IT Business
The board approved a quote of $14,000 from Tri-State Paving to double armor coat Enders Main Street. The county will supply 100 tons of gravel, while the contractor provides oil and labor.
Applied Connective informed the county it will terminate its managed IT services contract on Dec. 31, 2025. Commissioners acknowledged the notice and will prepare for new technology arrangements.
Employee Wages and Custodial Bids
Commissioners approved a 3% wage increase for all hourly Road and Transit employees, effective with the second August payroll.
At 9 a.m., bids were opened for the county custodial position. Natalie Baney submitted a bid of $180 per day, while Emily Browning bid $150 per day plus $20 per office. After review, commissioners voted to reject both bids and readvertise the position with updated requirements limiting custodial duties to common areas only. New bids will be opened Sept. 9 at 8:30 a.m.
Surplus Pickup Sale
At 9:15 a.m., commissioners opened bidding for the sale of a surplus sign pickup. With no bids received, the board voted to sell the vehicle instead at the Labor Day Miscellaneous Auction.
Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m. The next regular meeting of the Chase County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025.