Visitors Center Decision Nearing

The Kimball County Commissioners went into executive session Tuesday to discuss and consider approval of an agreement for the sale of the High Point Welcome Center of Western Nebraska property and adjacent land.

When the commissioners returned to open session, no action was taken as following previous executive sessions regarding the matter, although they did state that a decision would be made on Aug 1.

In a public comment period, Jack Shaw of Kimball addressed the commissioners concerning the planned relocation of the courthouse handicap ramp. The handicap ramp and automatic door are now located on the north side of the courthouse, but recently the commissioners voted to move it to the east side of the courthouse.

Shaw said he has talked with and had many conversations with people about the relocation plan. He said he has “not heard one positive comment” in favor of the move. He added that no one in the courthouse he has spoken with was in favor of the move. Roger Gillmig also spoke against moving the handicap ramp. The commissioners did not comment.

In discussion/action items, the commissioners approved a resolution to transfer $100,000 from the General Fund to the Road Fund.

Item two on the discussion/action items list was to transfer $200,000 from the Inheritance Tax Fund to the General Fund, which the commissioners did.

The commissioners met with different officials, including Randy Bymer, county highway superintendent. He reported that by Tuesday evening, the long-awaited chip seal project on the Dix Road should be completed. The road was double-chip sealed on Monday and Tuesday.

Bymer reported that he had received totals for the Federal BuyBack program, although the money won’t be received until March. Kimball County will receive $105,581.05 for roads and $10,502.09 for bridges from the Federal BuyBack.

A discussion occurred between the commissioners and Bymer on the need to “get the roads back in shape” and the road department working overtime to get that done. The department currently works four 10-hour days, and Bymer has asked for individuals to volunteer to work overtime on Friday or Saturday. He thought the roads would be “back in shape” in two to three weeks.

As budget season approaches, Amber Sweetland, director of Kimball Public Library, asked the county to contribute $17,000 to her budget. She reviewed her numbers and programs, along with her successes. The issue will be addressed during budget meetings.

KCTS Administrator Christy Warner’s report to the commissioners included an update on vehicles, wraps, marketing and other services. Transit has received reimbursement money from the state for the month of May, and Warner said they were waiting on reimbursements from June and July. KCTS has paid Kimball County General Fund $99,975 in the fiscal year 2022-23.

The next meeting of the Kimball County Commissioners is Tuesday, August 1, at 9 a.m.