York County hires new zoning administrator

​YORK – York County has a new zoning administrator.
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Nate Heinz

The York County Commissioners agreed to hire Nate Heinz, who is a deputy York County attorney.

The position had been previously filled by York County Deputy Christopher Johnson who had asked to step away from the job due to time constraints and other duties on his plate.

Heinz graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska College of Law with multiple awards. Among them were the CALI Excellence for the Future awards in copyright law and sports law for achieving the highest grade in the class. Heinz also attended the Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic for small businesses, gaining experience in setting up Limited Liability Companies. He is also a certified mediator.

Heinz has roots in the York County community, being the grandson of Paul Toms who was superintendent of the York Public Schools for 25 years.

York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier told the other board members how he and Commissioner Daniel Grotz met with Heinz for an interview.

Obermier said Johnson was willing to assist Heinz in transitioning into the additional position. It was also noted planning/zoning administrators in neighboring counties were willing to offer help when needed and Heinz would be taking advantage of educational opportunities in the planning and zoning field.

“I think we have a good plan going forward,” Grotz said.

“The position would be compensated in the same way as the past, at $20,000 a year,” Obermier said. “He admits he doesn’t know much about planning and zoning, but we are glad he is willing to learn.”

York County Attorney Gary Olson said, “He’s been with our office for three months and takes on legal tasks, does a tremendous job and finishes them. He does good work and possesses excellent professionalism. I think this will be good for the county.”

“He serves as a deputy county here and in Polk County, so with this also, he’s a busy man,” Obermier said.

Heinz said he appreciated how the county attorney’s office would work with him to make sure he had the time to deal with all the county’s zoning and planning needs.

“We want to help also and provide you with all the training you need,” Obermier said.

The commissioners unanimously agreed to hire Heinz and he will begin his work, in this department, on July 1.

The tasks immediately at hand will be the formulation of new local regulations pertaining to solar fields and carbon capture pipelines.