A discussion on ARPA funds and the potential purchase of a drone made up some of the two-hour Commissioner meeting last Thursday.
Since last Tuesday fell on Independence Day, the meeting moved to July 6.
The Commissioners began with a short Board of Equalization meeting where they approved the Cemetery Property Ownership and Usage Report with no change.
They also approved a three year assessment plan from County Assessor Dawn Duffy.
Duffy said she expects a 10% assessment increase on residential units in Wayne. Percentage ratios currently sit around 60% and need to operate between 92 to 100%.
During the regular meeting, the Commissioners began with updates regarding United Healthcare coverage for Wayne County with Steve Muir from Agri-City Insurance, the company who bought out Elkhorn Valley Insurance starting July 1.
They voted to reinstate the insurance for the upcoming year starting Sept. 1 with slight rate increases.
Emergency Manager Nic Kemnitz recounted recent and upcoming meetings he attends to advance the ability and awareness of the department.
On July 12 and 13, he will observe a Mass Fatality Incident Response Course, and on July 14, a Hasty Command Post Training, both in South Sioux City.
Kemnitz also presented the board with preliminary plans to have a department drone.
Stanton, Cuming and Yankton County all have drones with cameras, thermal imaging capabilities and more.
Kemnitz said the newer models of drones cost around $17,000 and would require the driver to have a pilot's license, which he plans to look into obtaining.
Further decisions regarding the purchase of a drone will take place during the Commissioners' upcoming budget meetings.
Sandra Hansen, disaster recovery specialist, once again examined the allocations of the remaining ARPA funds. By the end of 2024, all funds need to be committed to specific projects or organizations.
Then, the applications need completed by September of 2026.
The Commissioners originally pledged $125,000 to the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department for the purchase of the former Magic Wok building for more office and storage space.
Before they could move forward with purchasing, someone else bought the building instead.
Now, the department looks to possibly purchase another lot near Second and Logan Street and place a new build from Heritage there.
The motion for approval of the funds was tabled once again to give the department time to establish a plan.
One application for the Highway Superintendent Assistant position came in. The Board plans to offer this individual the job, working Monday, Tuesday and as needed with Highway Superintendent Mark Casey.
Commissioners also approved a contract with Dixon Construction for a bridge known as "Wavy" and signed survey docs for the Southwest Addition to Winside.
Clerk of District Court Deb Allemann-Dannelly plans to go into retirement by Sept. 15. Advertisements for her replacement will run in The Wayne Herald once they conclude discussions on hiring parameters.
A representative from NextLink Broadband introduced the company and its services to the Board, outlining potential growth in business in Wayne County.
The company has offices in Norfolk, Sioux City, Lincoln and has its base in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area.
Mid Continental and Kingery Construction set intentions for courthouse repairs in October as the mortar in certain areas has been falling out.
The Wayne County Board of Commissioners will meet again on Tuesday, July 18 at 9 a.m in the annex next to the Courthouse.
