York County Commissioners meet with Congressional aide, discuss wide range of topics

YORK COUNTY – During their most recent regular meeting, the York County Commissioners discussed a large number of topics and made decisions regarding bills, contracts and more, including:

​The board met with Jarod Reimers from Congressman Adrian Smith’s office to encourage Smith’s constituents to access services through his offices in Scottsbluff, Grand Island and Nebraska City. He also talked about work Smith is doing in Washington D.C.
York County Highway Superintendent Harvey Keim said his department is currently working on a road crossing agreement with a CO2 pipeline company as the project is nearly ready to begin. This project will result in a CO2 pipeline, connecting many ethanol plants in Nebraska. The county’s agreement with the company would pertain to haul route requirements and crossing county right-of-way areas.
Lori Byers, aging services director for the county, said open enrollment for Medicare Part D is underway and they have been holding free, public service events throughout the county.
Bill Plock from Fairmont, during the public input portion of the meeting, said he felt county boards can command hand counting of election ballots to protect the integrity of the election.
Cindy Naber from the York Housing Authority, spoke in support of the board accepting two federal grants to expand the county’s juvenile diversion program. “I feel their data is right on target, I worry about youth. This would bring services to youth – rural communities just don’t have the resources like those found in larger communities. These grants could bring more resources into our community as well as counseling services.”
The board went into executive session to consider a general assistance request. When they came out of executive session, they postponed action until the general assistance administrator it able to get more information.
The board made a correction to the levy for the Village of McCool. The original number was correct – it was just discovered that the way it was submitted to the county had the entire levy under the bond category instead of general.
When considering the claims for the period, York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier pointed out one claim for emergency protective custody “which was very, very expensive – it took 2/3 of what we budgeted for the entire year so hopefully EPCs slow down.” EPC situations occur when law enforcement officials take an individual into custody for their own protection and for the protection of the community. The services for these individuals are provided via a contract the county has with an outside agency.
The board signed off on an agreement between the York County Aging Services office and the York Senior Center for the year. This contract allows aging services to utilize the senior center facility in order to provide congregate meals and clinics.
They accepted the county treasurer’s 2022 distress warrants and delinquent personal property tax list.
Obermier will have the authority to represent the county at Nebraska Association of County Officials voting events. Commissioner LeRoy Ott is the alternative.
Obermier said the insurance committee has been meeting and will bring forward some recommendations soon.
Obermier also said the board will soon be discussing a project which will result in a fire suppression system being installed at the York County Jail.
It was also noted the planning and zoning commission will be meeting on a regular basis, mostly on the third Mondays of each month, starting in November.