Bennet meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

County approves $1.4M mental health contract, $1.2M Lied Center grant

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,397,789 reimbursement contract for the Mental Health Crisis Center and a $1.2 million grant to the Lied Center for Performing Arts during the past two weeks. The board also approved solar projects, wage adjustments, and several smaller grants, while two public hearings were postponed due to notice errors.

Mental health and community grants

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the board voted 4-0 to approve the $1,397,789 contract for the Mental Health Crisis Center. The same meeting saw a $300,000 grant to the Lincoln Children's Museum from the Visitors Improvement Fund (4-0). On Aug. 18, the board approved a $1.2 million grant to the Lied Center for Performing Arts, also from the Visitors Improvement Fund, with a 3-0 vote and one abstention. The board also approved grant contracts with Youth for Christ Lincoln Area (4-0) and federal equitable sharing agreements for the County Attorney and Sheriff (4-0).

Solar and infrastructure

The board approved a $24,100 solar consulting contract with Resilient Electric Analytics (4-0) on Aug. 11. At a staff meeting on Aug. 13, it approved a one-year levy of $1.5 million for solar panel installation on Ag Society buildings at the Sand Hills Global Event Center, with Commissioner Schulte voting no (3-1). The board also approved a $152,310 UPS installation contract for Corrections (4-0).

Wages and personnel

Cost-of-living wage adjustments for unrepresented employees were approved 4-0 on Aug. 11. The board also approved pay grade increases for Corrections Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Jail Administrator (4-0). On Aug. 18, it approved an exceptional circumstance pay increase for Alex Houchin (3-0).

Grants and other actions

At the Aug. 13 staff meeting, the board approved a $166,279 grant application for officer recruitment, hiring, and retention (4-0), a $15,287 grant for an Unmanned Aerial System (4-0), and an $800 mini-grant for drug recognition expert training (4-0). It also approved the EEOP Utilization Report (4-0). On Aug. 18, the board approved claims processed through Aug. 14, 2026 (3-0), a $3,977.68 claim beyond the 90-day period for Clark Enersen Partners (3-0), and a proclamation for Barney Day (3-0).

Property and tax matters

The Board of Equalization approved additions and deductions to tax assessment rolls at both its Aug. 11 and Aug. 18 meetings (4-0). On Aug. 18, it extended the filing deadline for 33 late homestead exemption applications (3-0, one abstention) and approved a motor vehicle tax exemption for the Capital Humane Society (4-0). Two public hearings on vacating rights-of-way in Prairie Home were recessed to Sept. 1 due to incorrect notice dates (4-0).

Other meetings

The Public Building Commission met Aug. 11 but its minutes are not yet published; the agenda included budget approval and contract amendments. The Board of Corrections met Aug. 13 and only approved minutes (4-0). A staff meeting on Aug. 20 was agenda-only, with no decisions reported.

Coming up

The Board of Commissioners will meet Aug. 25 to vote on the final allocation of levy authority to all political subdivisions, approve a $1,000,000 grant to the Lincoln Sports Foundation, and consider lease agreements with Family Service Association and CenterPointe. A public hearing on the proposed FY 2026-27 budget will follow the regular meeting. The board will also set a public hearing for Sept. 8 on health department amendments regarding open burning, body art, and wastewater.

County approves $23.3M jail medical contract, wage hikes

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved a four-year, $23,262,134 contract with Wellpath to provide medical and mental health services at the adult correctional facility. The 4-0 vote was the largest single expenditure among decisions made in the past two weeks. Commissioner Sean Flowerday was absent.

Jail medical contract approved

The Wellpath contract, approved Aug. 4, covers medical and mental health services at the county jail. The board also approved a $152,310 UPS installation contract for Corrections and pay grade increases for Corrections Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Jail Administrator positions on Aug. 11.

Other county board actions

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the board approved a special events permit for the Gravel Worlds bike and running race, a special designated license for pumpkin patch events at Roca Berry Farms, and a $9,990 NDOT grant for the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign. Consent items included a Verizon contract renewal and right-of-way contracts. The board also terminated three contracts due to expiring federal grant funding, created two new Youth Services classifications, and approved a confidentiality agreement with Bryan Health.

On Aug. 11, the board approved a $24,100 solar consulting contract with Resilient Electric Analytics, a $1,397,789 reimbursement contract for the Mental Health Crisis Center, a $300,000 grant to the Lincoln Children's Museum from the Visitors Improvement Fund, and cost-of-living wage adjustments for unrepresented employees. Two public hearings on vacating rights-of-way in Prairie Home were recessed to Sept. 1 due to incorrect notice dates.

Property valuations and tax rolls

The Board of Equalization met Aug. 4 and approved the 2026 real property valuation recommendations, including an amendment to reduce Protest 26-00676 to $231,400. The board dismissed incomplete or late property valuation protests, approved an assessed valuation change for Avacon Inc., rejected a homestead exemption appeal for Jamie Dodge, and approved 451 tax exemption applications and motor vehicle tax exemption applications. All votes were 4-0. At its Aug. 11 meeting, the board approved additions and deductions to the tax assessment rolls and prior minutes.

Wage increases and staff actions

At an Aug. 6 staff meeting, the board recommended a 3.25% cost-of-living adjustment for approximately 320 unrepresented county employees. The adjustment was formally approved at the Aug. 11 board meeting. The staff meeting also approved two late Human Services mileage claims and entered executive session for legal matters.

Justice Council and other bodies

The Justice Council approved a resolution designating the method of notice for its meetings as required by Legislative Bill 596 (2026) with an 11-0 vote, and approved prior minutes. The Public Building Commission met Aug. 11 but its minutes are not yet published; the agenda included FY26-27 budget approval and contract amendments. The Board of Corrections met Aug. 13 to receive quarterly updates from three departments; no votes on policy or budget items were listed. A staff meeting Aug. 13 discussed the 15-cent levy allocation and federal grant applications, but no formal action was taken.

Coming up

The Board of Commissioners will meet Aug. 18 to consider a proposed $1.2 million grant to the Lied Center for Performing Arts from the Visitors Improvement Fund, a request from the Village of Malcolm to annex county land, and several contract amendments and grant agreements. The board will also consider a proclamation for Barney Day and a pay increase for an employee.

County Board approves zoning changes, health insurance rate hike

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved a 12% health insurance rate increase, zoning regulation changes, and several grants for youth and social services at meetings held July 28 and July 30. The board also discussed a proposed $23.2 million medical services contract for the adult correctional facility at its Aug. 4 meeting, but no vote was taken.

Zoning and meeting notices

At its July 28 meeting, the board approved County Text Amendment 26007 to the zoning regulations in a 4-0 vote. It also approved a resolution to publish meeting schedules four times per year, per LB 596, also 4-0.

Grants and contracts

The board approved a $250,000 grant to Cedars Youth Services for an emergency shelter and a $200,000 grant to the Lincoln Community Foundation for homeless prevention, both 4-0. It also approved an $11,636 purchase of a RoadPod VT tube traffic counter (4-0), an $8,800 claim to The Mediation Center (3-0 with one abstention), and an $11,166.95 claim to El Centro de las Americas (3-0 with one abstention). Special designated licenses were approved for Hallam Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Meier’s Cork n Bottle, both 4-0.

Health insurance and other actions

At its July 30 staff meeting, the board approved proposed health insurance plan changes from HUB International, including a 12% rate increase, in a 5-0 vote. It also approved a letter of commitment to the Community Health Endowment for APACE (4-0, one abstention) and an application to the NACo Peer Exchange on Supporting Families Impacted by Substance Use (5-0). Meeting minutes from July 23 were approved 5-0.

Under consideration (Aug. 4 agenda)

The board met Aug. 4 but has not yet published minutes. Agenda items included a proposed four-year contract with Wellpath for adult correctional facility medical services estimated at $23,262,134, a Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest contract for UPS installation not to exceed $152,310, a Verizon Wireless contract renewal not to exceed $160,000, an NDOT grant of $9,990 for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization, and a special designated license for pumpkin patch events at Roca Berry Farms (16531 South 38th Street). The Board of Equalization also met Aug. 4 to consider tax exemptions and valuation protests; no decisions have been published.

Coming up

The Public Building Commission will meet Aug. 11 to hold a budget hearing and vote on the FY26-27 budget. The agenda also includes a parking garage expansion payment application, 815 K Street renovations pay application, a Baker Tilly Master Services Agreement for a solar study, and a parking services agreement with Park and Go for multi-modal construction.

Lancaster County Board approves zoning amendment, $450,000 in youth and homeless services grants

On July 28, the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved a countywide zoning amendment and authorized $450,000 in grants for youth emergency shelter and homeless prevention services. The Board also took action on budget staffing, air pollution regulations, tax assessments, and staff reclassifications across several meetings held July 21–28.

Budget staffing positions (July 21)

The Board reviewed unfunded and new position requests for the proposed budget and reached consensus on several items:

• Approved funding for 4 Juvenile Detention Officer positions in Youth Services.
• Approved funding for 4 correctional officer positions in Corrections.
• Approved funding for 1.5 Community Corrections case manager positions.
• Approved 50% funding for a County Treasurer motor vehicle clerk and a Public Defender mitigation specialist.
• Approved reducing the County Assessor's budget by $75,000 to preserve an appraiser position.
• Consensus to fund a new Risk Management specialist position.
• Left a licensed alcohol and drug counselor position unfunded.
• Consensus to leave a Clerk of the District Court position unfunded.

Regulations and contracts (July 21)

The Board approved several items on 5-0 votes:

• Amendments to the Air Pollution Control Program Regulations.
• A $15 publication fee for liquor licenses.
• A $10,615.75 contract amendment for Saltillo Road paving.
• A $13,000 contract increase for Bridge H-253 repair.
• A $900 price increase for County Corrections weed control.
• Four right-of-way contracts totaling $1,838.
• Public hearings scheduled for a right-of-way vacation on Thayer Street and a right-of-way and alley vacation on Wait Avenue in the Village of Prairie Home.

Board of Equalization (July 21)

All items passed 5-0:

• Approved additions and deductions to tax assessment rolls.
• Approved a valuation change for Gary Barth Revocable Trust parcels.
• Held consideration of an Avacon Inc valuation change pending verification.
• Approved Greenbelt valuation changes for Jeffrey and Teresa Pester and William and Linda Bryant.
• Approved eight waivers for late-filed 2026 451 exemption applications.
• Approved the 2026 Cemetery Report and the 2027-2029 Three-Year Assessment Plan.
• Approved motor vehicle tax exemptions for Radiant Church, Lincoln Literacy Council, School Sisters of Christ the King, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary.

Staff reclassifications and grant disclosure (July 23)

The Board approved multiple budget-neutral staff reclassifications and a lobbying disclosure:

• Approved a technical role reclassification in the Clerk of the District Court office.
• Approved creation of a supervising attorney position in the County Attorney's child support division.
• Approved conversion of an Administrative Services Officer to Records Operations Manager in the County Clerk's office.
• Approved separation of two administrative leadership positions in Youth Services.
• Denied the Public Defender's request for an additional paralegal position at this time.
• Approved a lobbying disclosure for a $1.2 million Byrne Discretionary grant for radios and body-worn cameras (5-0).

Zoning, grants, and contracts (July 28)

The Board approved the following on 4-0 votes unless noted:

• County Text Amendment 26007 to Zoning Regulations.
• A resolution to publish meeting schedules four times per year per LB 596.
• A $250,000 grant to Cedars Youth Services for emergency shelter.
• A $200,000 grant to Lincoln Community Foundation for homeless prevention.
• An $11,636 purchase of a RoadPod VT tube traffic counter.
• An $8,800 claim to The Mediation Center (3-0 with one abstention).
• An $11,166.95 claim to El Centro de las Americas (3-0 with one abstention).
• Special designated licenses for Hallam Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Meier's Cork n Bottle.

Coming up

• **August 4 — Board of Commissioners:** The Board will consider a proposed contract with Wellpath for adult correctional facility medical services estimated at $23,262,134 over four years, a contract with Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest for Department of Corrections UPS installation not to exceed $152,310, a Verizon Wireless contract renewal not to exceed $160,000, a $9,990 NDOT grant for a "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" mobilization effort, and a special designated license for pumpkin patch events at Roca Berry Farms, 16531 South 38th Street.
• **August 4 — Board of Equalization:** Public hearings on tax exemption applications for real, personal, and motor vehicle property, including notices for Avacon Inc and CBOL Inc, an appeal of a 2025 homestead exemption rejection for Jamie Dodge, and final action on 2026 real property valuation protests.

Lancaster County Board OKs $1M CJIS contract hike, transit and grant funding; $1.85M road contract up next

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,000,000 increase to a technology contract and awarded hundreds of thousands in visitor-improvement grants during its July 14 meeting, while earlier July sessions locked in transit funding, tax roll updates, and inmate programming contracts.

$1 million CJIS contract amendment and grant awards (July 14)

The board voted 4-0 to amend its contract with Don't Panic Labs LLC, increasing expenditures by $1,000,000 and extending the term to August 27, 2027. The same meeting produced unanimous approval of Visitor Improvement Fund contracts: up to $750,000 for Star City Optimist Youth Foundation, up to $330,000 for Lincoln Parks Foundation, and up to $250,000 for Downtown Lincoln Association.

Commissioners also approved three Nebraska Crime Commission subgrants: $61,950 for an Education Advocate at the Malone Center, $35,000 for The Bay program, and $135,154 for SquareOne — all 4-0. A $127,400 grant to El Centro de las Americas for a Latino Youth program passed 3-0 with one abstention. A special event permit for the American Discovery Trail Society coast-to-coast relay was approved 4-0.

Transit, traffic calming, and inmate therapy contracts (July 7)

The board approved $88,278 in additional funding for Lancaster County Transit and a $68,000 contract with Urban SDK Inc for traffic calming services, both 5-0. A $31,200 agreement with Jenda Family Services will provide DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) classes for inmates, also 5-0.

Other 5-0 approvals included a $75,000 grant for the Cultural Centers of Lincoln Welcoming Coordinator program, a $10,000 fire sprinkler maintenance contract with Mahoney Fire Sprinkler Inc, and $15,000 for right-of-way pruning with Klugs LLC and Ryan Lawn & Tree Service. Special permits were granted for an NPPD groundbreaking on 42nd Street and a renaissance fair at Cornhusker Council Camping & Scouting.

Tax rolls and vehicle exemptions finalized (July 7)

The Board of Equalization approved additions and deductions to the county tax assessment rolls and assessed valuation changes for the Hergenrader Family Trust and multiple property owners under Greenbelt provisions, all 5-0. Motor vehicle tax exemptions were granted to Youth for Christ Lincoln Area (4-0 with one abstention) and to remaining applicants (5-0). These actions finalize 2026 property valuations used for county taxes.

Engineering budget discussed, no votes (July 7)

Commissioners discussed the proposed Engineering Department budget, including a $100,000 reduction to the General Fund and a $1 million transfer to the federal aid sinking fund, but took no formal votes on those items. The meeting adjourned 5-0 at 10:18 a.m.

Open meetings notices and executive session (July 9)

At a staff meeting, the board reached consensus to use the county website as the primary method for posting Open Meetings Act notices, pending a formal resolution from the County Attorney. Commissioners entered and exited executive session for potential litigation and legal advice (4-0) and adjourned at 10:13 a.m. (4-0).

STOP Committee approves LPD equipment and training (July 9)

The committee approved $4,369.00 for 17 cable and antenna mounts to meet NHTSA requirements (4-0) and $6,345.00 for Lincoln Police Department technical training, including NLTEC and Bosh courses (4-0).

Cancelled and agenda-only meetings

The Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board's June 10 and July 8 meetings were cancelled due to scheduling conflicts; no decisions occurred. The Public Building Commission's July 7 agenda listed security upgrades for the County City Building, a parking garage expansion payment application, and multiple contract amendments, but minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 21, Board of Commissioners:** Scheduled vote on a $1,850,965.09 contract with Constructors Inc for mill and fill work on West Denton Road (Project 26-04, Bid 26-130), plus a $693,220.20 purchase order to Nebraska Machinery Co for two CAT 140-16 motor graders. Public hearings on zoning and air-pollution regulation changes are also on the agenda.
• **July 21, Board of Equalization:** Will consider waivers for late-filed 2026 property tax exemption applications and hold a public hearing on motor vehicle tax exemptions for Radiant Church, Lincoln Literacy Council, School Sisters of Christ the King, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary.
• **July 21, Budget Meeting:** Commissioners will discuss unfunded positions, new position requests, reclassifications, and pay adjustments for Corrections, starting at the County City Building, Room 112.

Lancaster County Board approves grants, contracts, and tax roll updates in busy two-week stretch

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners accepted more than $400,000 in federal justice grants and approved a $68,000 traffic-calming contract over the past two weeks, while the Board of Equalization finalized 2026 property valuations and motor vehicle tax exemptions for local nonprofits.

Grants and funding accepted

On June 30, the Board accepted a $99,655 Justice Assistance grant for the narcotics task force (5-0) and a $220,069 Bureau of Justice Assistance grant for reentry services (5-0). The Board also approved a $140,000 grant for the University of Nebraska law psychology program (5-0).

On July 7, the Board approved a $75,000 grant for the Cultural Centers of Lincoln Welcoming Coordinator program (5-0) and accepted $88,278 in additional funding for Lancaster County Transit (5-0).

Service contracts approved

The July 7 meeting included a $68,000 contract with Urban SDK Inc for traffic calming services (5-0), a $31,200 agreement with Jenda Family Services for inmate DBT classes (5-0), a $10,000 fire sprinkler maintenance contract with Mahoney Fire Sprinkler Inc (5-0), and $15,000 for right-of-way pruning with Klugs LLC and Ryan Lawn & Tree Service (5-0).

On June 30, the Board approved contract amendments for motor oil, waste services, and engineering (5-0), an AIMS software subscription for Community Corrections (5-0), and a special designated license for a Fucor Inc event (4-0). On July 7, the Board approved a special event permit for an NPPD groundbreaking on 42nd Street (5-0) and a special designated license for a renaissance fair at Cornhusker Council Camping & Scouting (5-0).

Appointments and vendor claims

Kevin Miller and Sheila Poppe were appointed to the Visitors Promotion Committee (5-0), and Tim Savona was reappointed to the same committee (5-0). The Board approved vendor claims including El Centro de las Americas and the Indian Center (4-0, 1 abstention).

Board of Equalization actions

The Board of Equalization approved additions and deductions to the tax assessment rolls (5-0), an assessed valuation change for the Hergenrader Family Trust (5-0), and Greenbelt assessed valuation changes for multiple property owners (5-0). A motor vehicle tax exemption for Youth for Christ Lincoln Area passed 4-0 with one abstention; remaining motor vehicle tax exemption applications passed 5-0.

Budget discussions, no final votes

At a July 2 staff meeting, Aging Partners requested 1% FY27 and 3% FY28 funding increases, Purchasing presented plans to modernize procurement with E1 modules, Libraries requested funding to maintain services and add staff, and Information Services presented budget and ADA compliance priorities. No final funding decisions were made. Staff meeting minutes were approved 5-0.

A July 7 budget meeting covered the proposed Engineering Department budget, including a $100,000 reduction to the General Fund and a $1 million transfer to the federal aid sinking fund. No formal votes were taken on those items; the meeting adjourned at 10:18 a.m. (5-0).

STOP Committee

The STOP Committee approved $4,369.00 for 17 cable and antenna mounts to meet NHTSA requirements (4-0) and $6,345.00 for Lincoln Police Department technical training, including NLTEC and Bosh courses (4-0). April 9 meeting minutes were approved 5-0.

Meetings not yet finalized

The Public Building Commission on July 7 discussed security upgrades for the County City Building and campus, a parking garage expansion payment application, and multiple contract amendments and new contracts. Minutes have not yet been published. A July 9 staff meeting included a briefing on proposed amendments to Article 2 of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Air Pollution Control Program Regulations, new meeting notice requirements under LB596, and a strategic plan progress report from BerryDunn. Minutes are not yet available.

The Mental Health Crisis Center Advisory Board's June 10 and July 8 meetings were cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. No decisions occurred.

Coming up

The Board of Commissioners meets July 14 to consider a bridge replacement contract with JJK Construction LLC not to exceed $1,213,107.10, a Don't Panic Labs LLC contract amendment increasing expenditures by $1,000,000, security and surveillance maintenance contracts not to exceed $250,000, and a Star City Optimist Youth Foundation grant not to exceed $750,000. A public hearing for the Air Pollution Control Program Regulations is scheduled for July 21, 2026.

Lancaster County Board approves $1.85M road contract, $3.26M bridge fund supplement in recent meetings

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved a $1.85 million road resurfacing contract and more than $4.7 million in budget supplements across three recent meetings, while also accepting federal grants for narcotics enforcement and reentry services totaling nearly $320,000.

Road resurfacing and budget supplements (June 23)

The Board voted 4-0 to approve a $1.85 million road resurfacing contract for West Denton Road and SW 12th Street. Commissioners also approved a $3.26 million appropriation supplement for the Bridge and Special Road Fund and a $1.5 million supplement for the Group Self-Insurance Fund, both on 4-0 votes.

Other approved items from the June 23 meeting:

• A $70,500 transfer from the General Fund Miscellaneous Budget to agencies (4-0)
• A three-year labor agreement with FOP Lodge 32 Corrections (4-0)
• A $123,800 forensic software contract for the Sheriff's Department (4-0)
• Special designated liquor licenses for the Meadowlark Music Festival (4-0)
• A $458,449.67 construction change order for the Square One Family Resource Center (4-0)

Rodeo welcome letter and budget reviews (June 25)

The Board approved a welcome letter for the 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo on a 4-0 vote. Commissioners also approved minutes from the June 18 meeting, 3-0 with one abstention, and entered and exited executive session for pending litigation and legal advice (4-0). The session included budget reviews for the Crisis Center and general county funds, plus briefings on zoning amendments and employee benefits.

Grants, contracts, and appointments (June 30)

Commissioners accepted three grant awards: a $99,655 Justice Assistance grant for the narcotics task force, a $220,069 Bureau of Justice Assistance grant for reentry services, and a $140,000 grant for the University of Nebraska law psychology program. All passed 5-0.

The Board also approved June 2026 meeting minutes (5-0), various vendor claims including El Centro de las Americas and the Indian Center (4-0, one abstention), contract amendments for motor oil, waste services, and engineering (5-0), a special designated license for a Fucor Inc. event (4-0), and an AIMS software subscription for Community Corrections (5-0).

Kevin Miller and Sheila Poppe were appointed to the Visitors Promotion Committee, and Tim Savona was reappointed, all on 5-0 votes.

Pending: Police radios and child care study (July 2)

Minutes were not yet published for the July 2 staff meeting. According to the agenda, the Board was scheduled to act on a $1.2 million Byrne grant for radios and body-worn cameras, consider a $7,275 research proposal from First Five Nebraska on child care access and quality, and hold budget hearings for Aging Partners, Purchasing, Libraries, and Information Services.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Board of Commissioners:** Votes scheduled on an $88,278 NDOT transit funding increase for FY2027, a $75,000 Welcoming Coordinator grant to Cultural Centers of Lincoln, a $68,000 Urban SDK traffic calming software contract, $31,200 for DBT therapy classes for inmates via Jenda Family Services, and a $250,000 CAT motor grader maintenance renewal. Public comment and a budget hearing will follow.
• **July 7 — Board of Equalization:** Review of motor vehicle tax exemption applications for organizations including the Food Bank of Lincoln and Capital Humane Society, plus assessed valuation changes for the Hergenrader Family Trust and greenbelt valuation changes for owners including Hanover III LLC and KDS Investments LLC.
• **July 7 — Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting:** County Engineer Pam Dingman and Budget Officer Dennis Meyer will present on the Transparency Portal.
• **July 7 — Public Building Commission:** Review of security upgrade proposals for the County City Building and campus, a parking garage expansion payment application, and multiple contract amendments and new contracts for services. A general voucher approval for May 2026 is also on the agenda.

Lancaster County approves $1.85M road contract, $4.76M in fund supplements

Lancaster County Commissioners this week signed off on a $1.85 million road resurfacing contract and shifted nearly $4.8 million into two county funds, decisions that topped a series of board actions in late June and early July.

Road contract and fund supplements

At its June 23 meeting, the Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 to award a $1.85 million contract for resurfacing West Denton Road and SW 12th Street. The board also approved a $3.26 million appropriation supplement for the Bridge and Special Road Fund and a $1.5 million supplement for the Group Self-Insurance Fund, both on 4-0 votes.

Other June 23 actions

The same meeting saw approval of a $70,500 transfer from the General Fund Miscellaneous Budget to various agencies, a three-year labor agreement with FOP Lodge 32 Corrections, and a $123,800 forensic software contract for the Sheriff’s Department. Commissioners also granted special designated liquor licenses for the Meadowlark Music Festival and authorized a $458,449.67 construction change order for the Square One Family Resource Center. All items passed 4-0.

June 25: Rodeo welcome letter

During a June 25 staff meeting, the board unanimously approved a welcome letter to the 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo. Meeting minutes from June 18 were approved 3-0 with one abstention, and the board entered and exited an executive session for pending litigation and legal advice.

June 30: Grants and appointments

The board accepted three grants during its June 30 session: a $140,000 grant for a University of Nebraska law psychology program, a $99,655 Justice Assistance grant for the narcotics task force, and a $220,069 Bureau of Justice Assistance grant for reentry services. All three passed 5-0, along with approval of an AIMS software subscription for Community Corrections. Commissioners also appointed Kevin Miller and Sheila Poppe to the Visitors Promotion Committee and reappointed Tim Savona to the same committee, each on a 5-0 vote. Vendor claims, including payments to El Centro de las Americas and the Indian Center, were approved 4-0 with one abstention. A special designated liquor license for a Fucor Inc event passed 4-0.

July 2 staff meeting

A July 2 staff meeting was scheduled to discuss a potential $1.2 million Byrne grant for radios and body-worn cameras for law enforcement and a $7,275 research proposal from First Five Nebraska on child care access, among other budget hearings. Minutes from that meeting are not yet available, and no final votes have been reported.

Coming up

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners meets July 7 to consider an $88,278 transit funding increase from the Nebraska Department of Transportation, a $75,000 Welcoming Coordinator grant to Cultural Centers of Lincoln, a $68,000 contract for traffic calming software, $31,200 for DBT therapy classes for inmates, and a $250,000 contract renewal for CAT motor grader maintenance. The Board of Equalization the same day will review motor vehicle tax exemption applications from groups including the Food Bank of Lincoln and Capital Humane Society, as well as greenbelt valuation changes for several property owners. A separate budget meeting on July 7 includes a presentation on the Transparency Portal by County Engineer Pam Dingman and Budget Officer Dennis Meyer. The Public Building Commission also meets July 7 and is expected to discuss a security upgrade at the County City Building, approve a payment application for the parking garage expansion, and review numerous contract amendments.