Box Butte County, NE

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Commissioners is holding a budget workshop to discuss the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget with elected officials and department heads. The board will consider and potentially adopt two budget-related resolutions: one on tax allocation to miscellaneous districts and another authorizing petty cash funds. Public comment is scheduled.

• Budget workshop with consultant Caleb Johnson
• Resolution 2026-11: Tax Allocation to Miscellaneous Districts
• Resolution 2026-12: Authorization of Petty Cash Funds

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Commissioners will consider routine administrative items, including approving payroll and claims, and will receive reports from the road superintendent and treasurer. They will also act on a resolution for NDOT program compliance, a buyback program certification, a distress warrant resolution, and a request for bids for road striping. A public hearing on LB644 is scheduled for September 21.

• Resolution 2026-10: NDOT Annual Certification of Program Compliance
• Buyback Program Annual Certification Form
• Request for bids for road striping
• Distress Warrant Resolution 2026-13
• LB644 Public Hearing on September 21, 2026 at 6:30pm

Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will consider routine consent items including payroll and claims, then receive a road and equipment report from the Road Superintendent and discuss courthouse tree removal. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Road Superintendent Barb Keegan to provide road and equipment report
• Discussion of courthouse tree removal

The Box Butte County Board approved a $2,500 tree and stump removal estimate from Panhandle Tree Service and the consent calendar, which included payroll, claims, and prior meeting minutes. Commissioner Brett Ditsch was excused. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and routine.

• Approved $2,500 tree and stump removal estimate from Panhandle Tree Service (2-0, Ditsch excused)
• Approved consent calendar including payroll, claims, and minutes (2-0, Ditsch excused)
• Excused Commissioner Brett Ditsch from meeting (2-0)

Meeting

The meeting scheduled for July 23, 2026, was cancelled. The agenda had listed property valuation protests and decisions via Form 422.

Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct Board of Equalization business regarding property valuations. The board will also review health and life insurance renewal options.

• Property Valuation Protests/Decisions Form 422
• TERC Petition
• Renewal Options Health Plan/Life Insurance presentation by Samantha Stoltenberg
• Semi-Annual Report from Treasurer Bell
• Road and equipment report from Road Superintendent Barb Keegan

The Box Butte County Board approved the renewal of the county health plan with IOA RE, including revised terms and continued coverage with HCC Life Insurance and Regional Care Inc. (RCI) using the Cigna network. The Board of Equalization approved numerous property valuation adjustments, lowering values for many properties and denying others, based on assessor recommendations or equalization with similar properties. The board also approved payroll, claims, and invoices totaling $277,754.59, and accepted the Treasurer's Semi-Annual Report.

• Approved health plan renewal with IOA RE (3-0)
• Approved renewal of Organ & Tissue Transplant with HCC Life Insurance and continued RCI/Cigna plan (3-0)
• Approved Acrisure Northwest Partners to represent county on life insurance discussions (3-0)
• Approved payroll/claims/invoices totaling $277,754.59 (3-0)
• Approved Board of Equalization notices for over/under valued properties, including approvals and denials (3-0)
• Lowered property valuations for numerous properties per assessor recommendation or equalization (3-0)
• Accepted Treasurer's Semi-Annual Report (3-0)
• Approved consent calendar including minutes and office reports (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Equalization will meet to discuss and take action on property valuation protests using Form 422. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Property Valuation Protests/Decisions Form 422

The Box Butte County Board of Equalization held a public meeting on July 21, 2026, to hear property valuation protests. The board approved adjustments to valuations for most of the 147 protested properties, either lowering them to the County Assessor's recommendation, equalizing with similar properties, or making no change based on Assessor testimony. One property (Doug Hickox) had its valuation raised. All motions passed unanimously except one abstention (Adam Bolek) and one 'no' vote (Chris Cullan).

• Lowered valuation for Kenneth Wood to $360,035 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for John Benton to $200,000 after reconsideration (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Wohlers Ranch LLC properties to $580,335 and $223,016 (3-0)
• Raised valuation for Doug Hickox to $262,532 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Larry & Judy Mann properties, including $961,087 and $709,639 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Carolyn Phillips to $1,124,538 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Chris Cullan properties, including $962,048 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Chad Wilcox properties, including $406,407 (3-0)

Meeting

The meeting scheduled for July 20, 2026, was cancelled. The agenda had listed property valuation protests and decisions via Form 422.

• Property Valuation Protests/Decisions Form 422

Meeting

The Board of Equalization will meet to discuss and take action on property valuation protests using Form 422. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Property Valuation Protests/Decisions Form 422

The Box Butte County Board of Equalization held a public hearing on July 16, 2026, and acted on 60 property valuation protests. The board approved 39 motions to lower valuations to the County Assessor's recommendation, 12 motions to accept the Assessor's testimony with no change, 6 motions to lower values due to property condition, 5 motions to lower values to equalize with like property, and 2 motions to lower values based on recent appraisal or sale evidence. One protest was withdrawn. All motions passed unanimously except two, which passed 2-1 with Mike Sautter voting no.

• Lowered valuation for Keisha Sanchez (070033919) to $197,395 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Tim Kees (070090777) to $267,963 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Richard Otto (070008027) to $421,627 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Josephine Shelmadine (070007985) to $340,684 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Jeffrey MacDonald (070001189) to $59,061 (3-0)
• Accepted Assessor testimony for Misael Lopez (070012008) at $164,869 (3-0)
• Lowered valuation for Renee Butler (070005060) to $278,617 (3-0)
• Accepted Assessor testimony for John Brock (070016550) at $233,706 (3-0)

Meeting

The meeting scheduled for July 15, 2026, was cancelled. The agenda had listed property valuation protests and decisions via Form 422.

Meeting

The Board of Equalization will meet to discuss and take action on property valuation protests. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Property Valuation Protests/Decisions Form 422

The Board of Equalization conducted hearings for property valuation protest forms 422. Evidence was heard from various property owners and representatives. The minutes do not record any final decisions or votes on the individual protests.

• Approved the agenda as printed (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Equalization will meet to discuss and take action on property valuation protests. These decisions are documented using Form 422.

• Property Valuation Protests/Decisions Form 422

The Board of Equalization conducted hearings for property valuation protest forms 422. The board heard evidence from various property owners and representatives. No final decisions or vote tallies on specific valuations were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved the agenda (3-0)

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Equalization will convene to hear public comment and then consider and take action on property valuation protests filed on Form 422. The meeting includes standard procedural items such as roll call, acknowledgment of the Open Meeting Act, and adoption of the agenda.

• Public comment period (8:05–8:15 a.m.)
• Discussion and decisions on property valuation protests using Form 422

The Board of Equalization held hearings for property valuation protest forms 422. Evidence was heard from several property owners, while others were noted as not present. No final decisions on the valuations were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved the agenda as printed (3-0)

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Commissioners will meet to review reports and handle administrative approvals. The session includes a meeting of the Board of Equalization and a discussion on zoning regulations.

• Ayers Zoning Regulations Agreement 2026-20
• Courthouse tree removal
• Board of Equalization notice approvals
• Road and equipment report from Superintendent Barb Keegan

The Board approved an amended Zoning Regulations Agreement 2026-20 with Ayers Associates Inc. Additionally, the Board of Equalization tabled several property valuation notices until July 22, 2026.

• Approved Consent Calendar including June 17, 2026 minutes (3-0)
• Tabled Board Notices for 35 specific Property IDs until July 22, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved Zoning Regulations Agreement 2026-20 with Ayers Associates Inc. as amended (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Equalization will meet to discuss and take action on property valuation protests using Form 422.

• Property Valuation Protests/Decisions Form 422

The Board of Equalization held hearings for property valuation protest forms 422. The board heard evidence from multiple property owners and entities. No final decisions or vote tallies on specific valuations were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved the agenda (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Equalization is meeting to discuss and take action on property valuation protests. The session will focus on decisions regarding Form 422.

• Property Valuation Protests/Decisions Form 422

The Board of Equalization conducted hearings regarding property valuation protest forms 422. Evidence was heard from several listed property owners, though some were noted as not present. No final decisions or vote tallies on specific valuations were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved the meeting agenda (3-0)

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Equalization will meet to review and decide on property valuation protests submitted via Form 422. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

The Board of Equalization heard evidence regarding property valuation protest forms 422. The minutes record which protestors were present or absent, but do not list specific decisions or vote outcomes for the individual protests.

• Approved the agenda as printed (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider and adopt a budget amendment. The board will also discuss a water agreement with the Village of Hemingford and a zoning regulations RFP.

• Budget Amendment public hearing and adoption
• Village of Hemingford Water Agreement 2026-18
• Zoning Regulations RFP
• APD Repeater MOU Agreement 2026-19
• Resolution 2026-08 to transfer funds from General to Veteran’s Aid Fund

The Board of Commissioners approved a firework ban and a budget amendment for hospital state directed payments. They also authorized a $21,500 contract for zoning regulation updates and approved several property board notices.

• Adopted Firework Ban Resolution 2026-09 (3-0)
• Adopted budget amendment for Hospital Budget state directed payments (3-0)
• Approved RFP from Ayers for Zoning Regulations update not to exceed $21,500 (3-0)
• Approved Alliance Police Department Communications Enhancement Project MOU 2026-19 (3-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-08 transferring $1,204.51 to Veteran's Aid Fund (3-0)
• Approved Hemingford Water Agreement 2026-18 (3-0)
• Authorized litigation to determine status of CR62 South of Wayne Rd (3-0)
• Denied H & H Sanitation claim for $36.90 (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will meet to handle routine administrative approvals and reports. The Board of Equalization will convene specifically to establish dates for property valuation protests.

• Setting of Property Valuation Protest dates
• Report on jail repairs and security from Sheriff Dannar
• Road and equipment report from Superintendent Barb Keegan
• Surplus report from Treasurer Bell
• Petty cash report from Clerk Burke

The Board approved $17,977 for jail cameras and $5,200 for jail shower replacements. Other actions included increasing the Clerk's petty cash and setting a schedule for property valuation protests.

• Approved $17,977 quote for jail cameras from Mobius Security
• Approved $5,200 estimate from Pipe Works Plumbing, LLC for jail shower replacements
• Increased Clerk's petty cash fund from $100.00 to $250.00
• Maintained NIRMA deductibles at $1,000 for auto/mobile and $2,500 for property
• Authorized Chairman Burke to sign Nebraska Dept of Water, Energy, and Environment Work Plan Form
• Approved surpusing property on Treasurer Valery Bell's list
• Scheduled property valuation protests for June 26 through July 23, 2026
• Approved Consent Calendar including payroll and claims

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Commissioners will review a zoning request for multi-unit housing and a request for proposals regarding zoning regulations. The board will also consider several interlocal and grant agreements.

• Zoning CUP 2026-01 Multi-Unit Housing
• RFP Zoning Regulations
• USDA Wildlife Services Agreement 2026-15
• Mutual Aid Assistance Interlocal Agreement 2026-16
• Nebraska Crime Commission Grant 172-27-CB-0501 Agreement 2026-17

The Board approved a conditional use permit for Summit Land, LLC's multi-unit housing with a six-person capacity limit. Other actions included approving courthouse smoke detector installation and surpusing two sheriff's department vehicles.

• Approved conditional use permit CUP 2026-01 for Summit Land, LLC Multi-Unit Housing with six-person capacity (3-0)
• Approved $5,368.00 Pye Barker quote for courthouse smoke detectors (3-0)
• Approved $38,835.07 USDA Wildlife Agreement 2026-15 (3-0)
• Approved surpusing 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2007 Dodge Charger (3-0)
• Approved sale of 1998 Ran co Dump Trailer and 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 via Purple Wave (3-0)
• Accepted State of Nebraska Crime Commission Grant 172-27-CB-0501 (3-0)
• Approved Interlocal Mutual Aid Assistance Agreement 2026-16 (3-0)
• Tabled Zoning Regulations RFP pending Planning Commission recommendation (3-0)

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Commissioners will consider road vacation requests for CR 62 and Wayne Road, as well as accept or reject a tractor lease RFP. Other agenda items include a jail management software agreement, a sheriff patrol upfitting contract, and amendments to the prairie dog management plan. The board will also open a Board of Equalization session to review the correction book from the Assessor.

• Road Vacation Request CR 62 – Resolution 2026-06
• Road Vacation Request Wayne Rd – Resolution 2026-07
• Accept/Reject RFP 2027 Tractor Lease
• Sheriff Jail Management Software Agreement 2026-14
• Prairie Dog Management Plan Amendments

The Board approved a 2027 tractor lease from Alliance Tractor and accepted the fiscal year 2025 audit. They denied a road vacation request for CR 62 but approved one for a portion of Wayne Rd. Other actions included approving jail software and a water assessment work plan.

• Approved Consent Calendar including payroll and claims (3-0)
• Approved amendments to the Prairie Dog Management Plan (3-0)
• Signed correction books 378 & 379 for 2026 taxes on Property IDs 070227381 & 070221251 (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-06 denying road vacation request of CR 62 (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-07 approving road vacation request for portion of Wayne Rd (3-0)
• Accepted Alliance Tractor RFP for 2027 tractor lease (3-0)
• Approved sale of 2001 Chevy pickup and other surplus property via Purple Wave (3-0)
• Approved Jail Management Guardian RFID Software Agreement 2026-14 (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will conduct public hearings regarding road vacations for CR 62 and Wayne Rd. The board will also consider several interlocal agreements with Grant County and various service agreements.

• Public hearing for road vacation of CR 62
• Public hearing for road vacation of Wayne Rd
• Grant County Jail Interlocal Agreement 2026-12
• Grant County VSO Interlocal Agreement 2026-11
• Grant County Highway Superintendent Supervision Interlocal Agreement 2026-13

The Board of Equalization approved tax exemption applications for two VSL Alliance entities and a personal property tax correction. The board also approved several interlocal agreements with Grant County regarding the jail, VSO, and highway superintendent supervision. A claim for Box Butte General Hospital was denied due to statutory timing requirements.

• Approved tax exemption applications for VSL Alliance LLC and VSL Alliance Assisted Living LLC (3-0)
• Approved correction book No. 377 for Property ID 070246300 personal property taxes (3-0)
• Denied Box Butte General Hospital claim of $34,958.01 (3-0)
• Approved MIPS Assessment Review Agreement 2026-06 (2-1)
• Authorized Sheriff Ryan Dannar to sign Cidnet Agreements 2026-09 and 2026-10 (3-0)
• Approved USDA Wildlife Amendment Agreement 2026-08 (3-0)
• Approved letter of support for City of Alliance Federal Opportunity Zone designation (3-0)
• Approved Grant County VSO, Jail, and Highway Superintendent interlocal agreements (3-0)

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Commissioners will meet to review equipment bids and leases. The Board of Equalization will also convene to address the Assessor's Correction Book.

• Accept or reject wheel loader bids
• Tractor lease
• Assessor Robinson Correction Book
• Scotts Bluff County Interlocal Agreement for 2026-05 Juvenile Detention Needs Assessment
• Grant County Interlocal Agreement update

The Board approved the purchase of a 2022 CAT 950M wheel loader and signed an interlocal agreement with Scotts Bluff County for a juvenile detention assessment. The Board also adopted a Men's Health Week proclamation and processed a tax correction. One assessment agreement was tabled until April 22, 2026.

• Approved Wheel Loader Bid (NMC#2 - 2022 CAT 950M) for $134,600.00 (3-0)
• Approved Scotts Bluff County Interlocal Agreement 2026-05 for Juvenile Detention Needs Assessment (3-0)
• Adopted Men's Health Week Proclamation for June 15-21, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved correction book No. 376 accelerating 2026 taxes for Property ID 070132100 (3-0)
• Tabled MIPS Assessment Review Agreement 2026-06 until April 22, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including $161,562.85 claim to Fuller Construction Holding Co Inc (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding road vacations for CR 62 and Wayne Rd. The board will also review road and equipment reports and discuss zoning updates.

• Public hearing for road vacation of CR 62
• Public hearing for road vacation of Wayne Rd
• Discussion of leased truck with Road Superintendent Keegan
• Commercial Energy Moratorium Extension RFP
• Zoning updates and regulations from Zoning Administrator Johnson

The Board extended a moratorium on commercial energy production development for two years. They also approved a request for proposals to update zoning regulations and rescheduled two road vacation public hearings.

• Extended commercial energy production development moratorium through March 18, 2028 (3-0)
• Approved RFP for Zoning Regulations regarding floodplains, airport, multi-family residential, energy, fees, and penalties (3-0)
• Rescheduled CR62 and Wayne Rd road vacation public hearings to April 22, 2026 (3-0)
• Authorized Road Superintendent Barb Keegan to engage in a truck lease agreement if necessary (3-0)
• Authorized Chairman Burke to sign the gWorks termination letter (3-0)
• Accepted the 2025 Weed Control Compliance Report (3-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including March 4 minutes and claims (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will consider armor coat bids and the appointment of four Planning Commission members. The meeting includes reports on roads, equipment, and tax sales, as well as discussions on patrol vehicles and the MJLC lease for the Public Defender.

• Accept or reject Armor Coat Bids
• Appoint four Planning Commission members
• Public Defender MJLC Lease
• Sheriff Dannar report on patrol vehicles
• Treasurer Bell Tax Sale Report

The Board approved a road application bid and the purchase of a vehicle. They also appointed four members to the Planning Commission and decided not to renew a lease for the Public Defender office.

• Approved Armor Coat Application Bid from Sta-Bilt Construction Company for $82,222.51 (3-0)
• Approved purchase of a Dodge Durango off the state bid (3-0)
• Appointed Trent Benzel, Barb Raben, Ryan Reiber, and Jerry Underwood to the Planning Commission (3-0)
• Approved notification to MJLC, LLC that the Public Defender office space lease will not be renewed (3-0)
• Tabled meeting procedures until March 18, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including payroll and claims (3-0)

Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider adopting Resolution 2026-03 regarding the 1 and 6 year road plan. The board will also discuss road equipment, jail repairs, and a zoning administrator contract.

• Public hearing and adoption of Resolution 2026-03: 1 & 6 Year Road Plan
• Zoning Administrator Contract Agreement 2026-04
• Course of action for CR62 & Wayne Rd involving Morrill and Box Butte Counties
• Sheriff Dannar report on jail repairs
• Discussion on surplus vehicles and employee timekeeping system

The Board of Commissioners approved the county's 1 & 6 Year Road Plan via Resolution 2026-03. Other actions included approving a plumbing estimate and authorizing a zoning administrator agreement.

• Adopted Resolution 2026-03 approving the 1 & 6 Year Road Plan (3-0)
• Approved Pipe Works Plumbing Estimate 16676 Option #1 for $13,289.00 (3-0)
• Authorized Chairman to sign Box Butte County Zoning Administrator Agreement 2026-04 (3-0)
• Approved purchase of six Android tablets to replace time clock machines (3-0)
• Declared 1998 Ranco Belly Dump (#4102) surplus for future sale (3-0)
• Authorized up to two Planning Commission/Zoning Administration members to attend NPZA conference (3-0)
• Tabled action on Morrill County and Box Butte County CR62 and Wayne Rd until April 1, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved claims totaling $365,799.02 (3-0)

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Commissioners will meet to review road reports, hauling bids, and legislative updates. The board will also consider resolutions to set public hearings for vacating sections of two roads.

• Resolution 2026-01 to set public hearing to vacate portion of CR62
• Resolution 2026-02 to set public hearing to vacate portion of Wayne Rd
• Appointment of four Planning Commission members
• Review of hauling bids and armor coat request for bids
• Architectural Glassarts proposal

The Board approved an Armor Coat Chip Hauling bid and several facility maintenance estimates. The Board of Equalization processed tax exemptions and a homestead refund. New fees for road utility permits and road closures were established.

• Approved Armor Coat Chip Hauling bid from Phillips F & T Inc for $28,320.00 (3-0)
• Approved $19,200.00 Architectural Glassarts proposal (3-0)
• Approved $5,200.00 Pipe Works Plumbing estimate for jail showers (3-0)
• Approved $742.50 Turbo Temp estimate for jail repairs (3-0)
• Set Road Utility Permit fee at $350.00 and road closure fee at $150.00/day (3-0)
• Approved $681.38 Homestead Exemption refund to Robert Huss (3-0)
• Authorized up to $7,439.96 from Inheritance fund for MDT purchase (3-0)
• Declared 2007 Case JX95 Tractor surplus for future sale (3-0)

Meeting

The Box Butte County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss road reports and jail repairs. The board will also consider amendments to the Prairie Dog Management Plan and appoint two advisory board members.

• Prairie Dog Management Plan Amendment
• Appointment of two Prairie Dog Advisory Board Members
• Sheriff Dannar report on jail repairs
• Road Superintendent report on Grant County Armor Coat
• Discussion of surplus vehicles

The Board of Commissioners scheduled public hearings for road vacations on CR62 and Wayne Rd. The board also approved tax corrections for homestead exemptions and updated the Prairie Dog Management Plan.

• Approved correction book Nos. 333-375 for 2022 and 2023 homestead exemption taxes
• Directed Road Superintendent to provide written road study of CR62 and Wayne Rd
• Set road vacation public hearings for CR62 and Wayne Rd for March 18, 2026
• Declared 2001 Chevrolet 1500 (#3000) surplus for future sale
• Reappointed Tim Sherlock and Shawn Hunter to Prairie Dog Advisory Board for 4-year terms
• Approved revisions to Prairie Dog Management Plan and Complaint Form
• Approved claims totaling $578,479.71

Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct reorganization and review reports from the Treasurer and Road Superintendent. The session includes the opening and closing of the Board of Equalization. The Board will also consider a CIDNET Agreement and a DHHS addendum.

• Swearing in of Chief Deputy Baden Shelmadine
• CIDNET Agreement 2026-01
• DHHS Addendum to CS Agreement 2026-02
• Elevator updates and change orders
• Prairie dog complaint report from Weed Superintendent Lauder

The Board conducted its annual reorganization, electing leadership and appointing superintendents and administrators. The Board also approved various administrative agreements, designated official county depositories, and authorized forced control for a prairie dog management complaint.

• Elected Steve Burke as Chairman and Mike Sautter as Vice-Chairman (3-0)
• Appointed Barbara Keegan as Road Superintendent (3-0)
• Appointed Brett Lauder as Weed Superintendent (3-0)
• Appointed Mike Johnson as Zoning Administrator (3-0)
• Appointed Sarah Foland as Veteran's Service Officer (3-0)
• Approved Application for Exemption Form 457 for Iglesia Bethel (3-0)
• Authorized bidding for aggregate hauling (3-0)
• Approved forced control process for Prairie Dog Management Complaint 2025-01 (3-0)