County Reorganizes For 2022

The Kimball County Commissioners spent the first meeting of the year in reorganizational mode. Reorganization started with the election of officers, which remained the same as last year with Larry Engstrom chairman and Carl Stander vice chairman.

The meeting dates, agenda deadlines, publication methods and bank depositories remained the same as previous years, and the appointments to the various boards and committees that the commissioners serve on did not change.

Committee appointments for county boards included Jordan Autrey and Gary Haack. Autrey was appointed to the Kimball County Manor Board as Keith Jones had served the maximum number of years on the manor board. Haack was reappointed to the Park and Recreation Board.

The commissioners met with County Highway Superintendent Randy Bymer for their bi-monthly update.

The county purchased grader and truck tires and grader blades, and meanwhile a truck is set to be repaired. High West Energy received approval for a permit to occupy county road right of way.

Kimball County Transit Administrator Christy Warner reported an additional 36 morning riders and 45 afternoon riders. Kimball Public Schools removed its in-town bus service, so the transit service is now providing rides for many school children.

In action items, the county holiday schedule caused a lengthy discussion. The newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, was excluded from the list of designated holidays for the employees of Kimball County.

And finally, as required by Nebraska state statute, the commissioners set the salaries for elected officials for 2023. The resolution established a 10% raise for the county elected positions of assessor, clerk, treasurer and district court clerk. The commissioners raised their wages 14% for 2023.

The next county board meeting will be Jan. 18.