Chase County Commissioners address ambulance debt, zoning concerns

The Chase County Board of Commissioners handled a range of business during its regular meeting April 28, including approving ambulance debt cancellation, advancing an interlocal agreement for EMS operations, and reviewing concerns tied to proposed zoning regulations.
The meeting was called to order at 8 a.m. by Chairman Kurt Bernhardt at the courthouse, with Commissioners Billie Muehlenkamp and Jacci Brown also present, along with County Clerk Wendy Moe and Sheriff Kevin Mueller.
During the open forum, dispatcher Chuck Bartholomew raised concerns about information technology services provided by Allo Communications, citing communication difficulties with the company’s help desk.
Veterans Service Officer Duane Todd addressed the board to provide an update on LB1072 and thanked commissioners for allowing him to submit a letter to the Nebraska Legislature on behalf of Chase County veterans.
Commissioners approved minutes from the April 14 meeting and authorized payment of claims totaling $197,908.36 across multiple county funds, including general, road, ambulance, E-911 and tourism funds.
EMS agreement, debt cancellation approved
County Attorney Burke presented an interlocal agreement between Chase County and the Village of Wauneta regarding a county-owned building used for ambulance storage. Under the agreement, the village will assume responsibility for utility costs associated with operating and maintaining the facility. Commissioners unanimously approved moving forward with the agreement, which will next go to the village for consideration.
In other EMS-related action, the board approved Resolution 2026-6, authorizing the cancellation of $33,689.24 in ambulance-related debt. The amount includes $7,979.45 in accounts beyond the statute of limitations, $24,742.55 in inactive in-house collections from 2023–2024, and $967.24 deemed uncollectible due to circumstances such as deceased individuals with no estate.
Zoning plan draws mixed feedback
At 8:30 a.m., commissioners opened a public hearing on proposed updates to the county’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations. Several residents and officials, including members of the planning commission and zoning administration, participated and offered both support and opposition to the plan.
The hearing was briefly recessed for Board of Equalization duties and reconvened at 9:08 a.m. Commissioners ultimately opted to compile a list of questions and concerns for further review by the planning commission before taking action.
Among the concerns identified were rural residential versus agricultural lot sizes, inconsistencies in livestock density guidelines, septic system language and setbacks, and considerations related to mineral extraction and board of adjustment membership.
Hospital path proposal halted
Discussion was also held regarding a proposed walking path near the hospital, which had potential grant funding support through Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. However, County Attorney Burke advised that state statutes require county property transactions, including easements, to reflect fair market value.
Commissioners expressed concern that granting a long-term easement without compensation could conflict with those requirements and potentially expose the county to legal risk. The board indicated it would not move forward with the project under those conditions.
Additional reports, updates
Ambulance Administrator Julie Sharp presented the monthly ambulance report, while Caleb Johnson joined the meeting by phone to discuss the upcoming budget season, noting no legislative changes to the budget process for the year.
In other business, Jason Speck reported completion of a dispatch construction project and plans to install a swinging door in the sheriff’s office. Commissioners also requested additional repairs be addressed in the extension building.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.