Red Willow County Board adopts road plan; tightens distress-warrant collections; reviews salaries

Oct. 27, 2025

McCOOK Neb.— The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners moved through a full agenda Monday, adopting the county’s One- and Six-Year Road & Street Improvement Program, responding to an audit finding on personal-property tax collections, and directing the clerk to prepare a salary resolution for the next elected-official term.

One- & Six-Year Road Plan adopted

Commissioners held a public hearing with engineer Kevin Petros of Miller & Associates before approving Resolution 1581 to adopt the 2025 plan.

Discussion focused on several aging concrete box culverts showing significant cracking. Likely fixes include replacing some boxes with paired corrugated metal pipes, with final sizing dependent on cover and hydraulics.

A labeling error on the draft map (a site listed near Lebanon) will be corrected. One long-filled structure is no longer inspectable; another site with damaged wing walls will need attention. Overall, commissioners noted the county has fewer problem structures than 4–5 years ago.

Pull-quote: “We’re sitting pretty good as far as our one- and six-year plan… fewer issues than a few years back.”

Audit follow-up: distress-warrant collections

The board approved a formal response and process to ensure the Sheriff pursues collection on personal-property distress warrants issued each November, including seizure and sale when warranted.

The clerk will provide a post-issuance list to commissioners; the Sheriff generally has about six months to report results. The outstanding total discussed has grown from roughly $105,000 by about another $100,000, though some accounts have begun paying.

Pull-quote: “We’ll make sure the warrants are issued and collected—and that progress is reported back.”

Board of Equalization actions

• Resolution 1582 (Book 24, p.89): Struck taxes tied to two torn-down mobile homes (removes them from distress warrants but doesn’t erase liability if they resurface).

• Resolution 1583 (Book 24, p.90): Authorized the County Attorney to begin foreclosure on a 2022 real-estate tax sale certificate that remains unpaid.

Elected-official salaries (2027–2030)

After reviewing NACO’s salary study, commissioners directed the Clerk to draft a resolution proposing 2.5% annual increases for the 2027–2030 term, aligning with the county’s recent trajectory.

Consent agenda & other business

• Payroll/Accounts Payable: Approved $601,212.66, with one claim pulled (see below).

• McCook Public Power District road permits: Approved contingent on paying the county’s updated $100 per crossing fee (three crossings total). MPPD had submitted $25 each using an old form; the board approved once the $225 difference is received.

• Law enforcement agreement: Approved with the City of Indianola.

• Surplus items: Laptop (Extension Office), desk (County Court), and the 2017 Sheriff’s Dodge Durango (being replaced with a 2024 Durango).

• SIS tower rent ($1,800): Tabled pending contract review.

• Monthly revenues: Clerk $15,840.07 (includes ~$10,227 from joint public-hearing fees); Sheriff $1,973.80.

• Correspondence: Notices of hearing from the City of McCook were entered.

Next meeting: Expected Nov. 10, 2025 (adjusted around the holiday).