Red Willow County Board Reviews $679K in Claims, Sets Future Salaries

November 10, 2025

McCook, Neb. — The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse, covering a range of regular business items including a 2.5% annual salary increase for county officials for the 2027–2030 term, appointments to county boards, and the approval of more than $679,000 in claims.

Chairman Ted Gans called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. with Commissioner Randy Dean present. Commissioner Charles Fritsche was absent. Gans opened by noting the location of the Open Meetings Act.

Agenda and Consent Items

Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda, which included:

• Approval of minutes from previous commissioner and board of equalization meetings

• Accounts payable claims totaling $679,313.90 across multiple county funds

• Resolution No. 1585, certifying the Highway Superintendent’s year-end report

• Appointment of Chris Farrell to the Red Willow County Health Board, replacing Adam Lambing (term to expire April 30, 2028)

• Renewal of the county’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs

No citizens were present to offer comments during the public comment period.

Salaries and Budget Matters

Commissioners discussed setting elected officials’ salaries for the next four-year term. Following the discussion, a motion was made and passed to approve Resolution No. 1585, Book 24, Page 92, establishing a 2.5% annual salary increase for county officials for the 2027–2030 term.

The board also reviewed correspondence from the City of McCook regarding increased fees at the transfer station, a notice from Miller & Associates about the 2026 road superintendent, and documents from the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment approving operation of the Hauxwell Kingdom LWCF.

Jail Inspection and Department Reports

The commissioners completed their quarterly jail inspection, reporting that conditions were satisfactory.

Reports reviewed and placed on file included:

• Monthly revenue reports from the Clerk and Clerk of District Court

• The 2025 1- and 6-Year Road Report and 2025 Budget Report prepared by Miller & Associates

Claims Overview

Among the approved claims were payments for general operating expenses, road work, health fund expenses, and other county services. The largest allocations included:

• $312,630 from the Jail Bond Fund to BOKF, N.A.

• $87,718 in health insurance payments to Lucent Health Solutions LLC

• $58,005 from the Health Fund for medical and public health services

• $86,609 from the Road Fund for materials, repairs, and maintenance

Other disbursements supported local vendors, utilities, and county departments.

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m. and will reconvene November 24, 2025.