[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6513401,"mediaKeyId","5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd","parentId",5071151,"title","Board approves interim pay for County Treasurer chief deputy; appointment to follow","audioSeconds",746,"startMs",8398000,"endMs",9144000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd&start=8398&end=9144","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd/thumbnail_8398000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6513401/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Board-approves-interim-pay-for-County-Treasurer-chief-deputy-appointment-to-follow","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6513401-9829f001fe9d8cfb56af387e0fede53a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104509&Signature=iPvWFiE2J15cgDMs5Uau0LUl9tF2jvsPZEZY11dd675RmctATapAcOtHOqzuPARtkLC2Jy9Dxt1KH-81PP~CAJ9NTEn~otI3GGo2yR~CWvM1KW0qFRmWdTzo3itudjf5ivsIIJVdsxNE34rvfTTidSIudNYlQmDIG9IFjyU9BoMuSDBQfs8RwVta~N~6f2-GcgzZi14kaXCEHxJBfQtDSbHG9VQ-thQAyNptYArW7vIhSy69j6vh2V5sKUxSFY2Kxqemh-hVj1vHcxbNDi7DAXdlbbI5yk~snQWKt-E5LN6oR9EaNzbl7x2-AKEr1keRJfd5f3AIA1T1N172jN2tTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Douglas County, NE","date","2025-06-24T21:29:38.26Z","article","Douglas County commissioners voted 7–0 on June 24 to authorize interim compensation for Chief Deputy Jane Alexander as the county’s acting treasurer after the elected treasurer resigned to take mayoral office.

Under Nebraska law the county has 45 days to fill a vacancy in the office of county treasurer, and the board must set an interim arrangement while it considers candidates. At the meeting commissioners discussed options, including internally appointing a non‑political interim to serve until the next scheduled treasurer transition following the 2026 election.

Commissioners noted that Jane Alexander, the long‑serving chief deputy in the treasurer’s office, was expected to carry out interim duties. The board adopted a resolution authorizing compensation for Chief Deputy Alexander “at the same rate previously established for the County Treasurer,” effective the date of the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.

Chair Commissioner Roger Garcia said the board will take a formal appointment at a subsequent meeting within the statutory 45‑day window; several commissioners said they favor a temporary, non‑political management arrangement so the office can transition smoothly into the 2026 election year.

Why it matters: Filling the treasurer vacancy ensures continuity for county tax collection and cash‑management functions. Commissioners emphasized the need for continuity and for clearing potential political questions by seeking an interim arrangement that focuses on operations rather than electoral politics.

Vote record: The resolution to compensate Chief Deputy Jane Alexander at the treasurer rate passed 7–0.

Meeting context and next steps: The board will return to the appointment question within the legal 45‑day window; administration said it will publish next steps and accept any internal or external candidates for consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Douglas County Nebraska meeting June 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board adopted a resolution to compensate Chief Deputy Jane Alexander at the County Treasurer rate effective immediately while the board prepares to appoint an interim treasurer; the full appointment will be taken at a future meeting within statutory timelines.","taxTitle","Douglas County, Nebraska","taxId",2554,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6513406,"After public outcry, commissioners lay over vote on sheriff’s Office of Violence Prevention grant to July 8",3061,5272000,8333000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd&start=5272&end=8333","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd/thumbnail_5272000.jpg","/articles/6513406/Douglas-County/Nebraska/After-public-outcry-commissioners-lay-over-vote-on-sheriffs-Office-of-Violence-Prevention-grant-to-July-8","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6513406-f4572a73bb476ebe14ce50e5985e935b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104509&Signature=jblASfeBd7UY98dM0XIL7SpceYng4b4MLSY~v0vhLU~gExf1Unehnrp7cdpEBbYStPSDtt37EiWPBt1gqwj3jH69qvUkfOcUoF9sHwmL1veWhmvYP7iEg~kS6oLwbK98ObZHQqIuMNlMzzc7i~coUZFc-B0hfH~Zl89QOIRcP1GlBaWgom3Elc8idb2c3qISJXN3axLQHbVBxESUd7n2~e91e8Hs6iuq1EAnf6~R-HXTVbgyoXj5HKJ-Jzur30CwPBTZ7EnwUYTKUJjsHg2rMXIopTVLkwlnFC0RVa-kYo4WSOqS-3UDvJ~Mu3U2r1LE0sRoN~VGEC5ny35ZKiFUQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Douglas County commissioners agreed to postpone consideration of a Nebraska Crime Commission/Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) grant request that would fund a gang‑investigator position in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Special Operations Group, after extended discussion and public comment.

Captain Eric Sellers and Captain Eric (presentation name in transcript: Captain Sellers) described the request as focused on gang intelligence and violence suppression in unincorporated parts of the county (the Irvington corridor was singled out). Captain Sellers said the sheriff’s office would not duplicate Omaha Police Department’s gang unit but would investigate criminal gang activity in unincorporated Douglas County, work with partner agencies and track cases for better courtroom preparation.

Commissioner Nate Rogers (first reference: Commissioner Nate Rogers) moved to lay the item over until after a scheduled meeting between the sheriff and the Omaha police chief; Commissioner Patrick Fahey seconded. Commissioners and public commenters debated coordination between the sheriff’s office and Omaha Police Department. Several speakers from North Omaha community organizations objected to the grant and to expanding the sheriff’s Special Operations Group; they urged investment in community‑based violence prevention, mental‑health response and services.

Tamika Meese, executive director of North Omaha Community Partnership, told the board her organization \"strongly oppose[d] the acceptance\" of the grant and said the Special Operations Group is \"not welcomed by our community,\" citing fears of increased policing in Black and Brown neighborhoods and a lack of transparency from the sheriff’s office. Other public speakers echoed concerns about transparency, racial disparities in enforcement, and whether the county should expand a tactical investigative unit rather than invest in community‑based prevention.

Commissioner Rogers said he supported intervening sooner and argued the sheriff’s request was a public‑safety measure; other commissioners said they wanted a meeting between the sheriff and the police chief to clarify coordination and responsibilities. Senators and state policymakers who joined by Zoom — including Senator Ashley Spivey — urged caution and asked the county to prioritize evidence‑based, community‑centered interventions to reduce gun violence.

The board modified the layover by setting a return date of July 8 so the sheriff and Omaha police chief could meet; by unanimous vote the board agreed to defer the matter until that date. A spokesman for the sheriff’s office told the board the grant would be rescinded if not accepted before the month’s deadline, raising timing pressure.

Why it matters: The item sparked a public debate about policing, race, and county‑level use of state grant dollars to fund tactical or intelligence positions. Community leaders argued the investment could worsen distrust and urged the board to prioritize community‑led prevention approaches; the sheriff’s office and some commissioners argued the position is necessary to address rising gang violence in unincorporated areas.

Meeting context and next steps: Commissioners set a new review date of July 8 to reconsider the OVP grant after the sheriff and Omaha police chief meet and after commissioners have more information on coordination and data. The board instructed staff to add the item to the July 8 agenda.","Commissioners deferred action on a Nebraska Crime Commission/Office of Violence Prevention grant request for a gang‑investigator position in the sheriff’s Special Operations Group after extensive public comment and commissioner questions about coordination with Omaha Police Department.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6513411,"Commissioners approve grant to fund a sheriff's deputy for problem‑solving courts, 6‑1 vote",1566,3690000,5256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd&start=3690&end=5256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd/thumbnail_3690000.jpg","/articles/6513411/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Commissioners-approve-grant-to-fund-a-sheriffs-deputy-for-problemsolving-courts-61-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6513411-2179d26ad40660e2a9be968d0a9cc433/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104509&Signature=Z1pWGUsX8VBpvivZb~rTxTAS3h4v3XA8o1t-QOzUsN7d6RGiOhp2IX90sGqenBP-Sqn7Mke0KslQLwLJKTnxnG5zSQqkv5vXrypoilGjqD4LI5PThlY~S3UzmVvx8I1OANTXuMzCNSGx4n6KvphoYvY9slmhDur1s4h1Sl6l-1xgRUqgrmj6IXLF6CTIsqaF-MlcQq7uQr1Ihb6auWffGuTYlhynbGPZGmkoDKL-ylms0bmh-RpkhvPgNRM4QjLST5HjQ0YvhyCEDj~I4U9IApVsB0loVohBgjEjod0P1f-7tGDysSgdrDXwuzzpVTx6K2bd1JxB-2SroW8B8FKvZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted to accept a Nebraska Crime Commission grant to fund an additional sheriff's deputy assigned to local problem‑solving courts.

The motion to accept the grant was moved and seconded and passed 6–1. Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson cast the lone no vote. The funding will add a deputy position to support the courts’ multidisciplinary teams, the sheriff’s office said.

Captain Nate Kovaric of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office explained that the deputy will support drug court, veterans court and young‑adult court and that the sheriff’s office historically has participated in these teams as a best practice. He said the new position is designed to improve coordination between law enforcement and the courts’ treatment teams, and judges and defenders at the meeting described law‑enforcement participation as a nationally recommended component of problem‑solving courts.

Judge Jeff Lux, who presides over Veterans Treatment Court, told commissioners having law enforcement on the team \"helps get other law enforcement to buy in\" and can improve coordination when an eligible defendant is identified at arrest. Several commissioners said they supported the courts’ work and credited the program with both public‑safety and fiscal benefits, noting diversion reduces jail bed days and costs.

Why it matters: Problem‑solving courts combine judicial oversight, treatment and supervision to reduce recidivism among defendants with substance‑use disorders, military service needs or young‑adult risk factors. The sheriff’s deputy on the team will participate in hearings and coordination with partner agencies, a role the courts and sheriff described as improving outcomes and compliance.

Vote record: The board recorded a 6–1 vote in favor; Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson voted no while the other six commissioners voted to accept the grant.

Meeting context and next steps: The grant covers a time‑limited position. Several commissioners and the judge noted sustainability concerns: the grant may not be permanent, and the county could be asked to assume salary costs if state or grant funds lapse. Commissioners asked the sheriff’s office and probation leaders to continue outlining sustainability plans.","Douglas County commissioners voted 6–1 to accept Nebraska Crime Commission funding for an additional Douglas County Sheriff's deputy to support problem‑solving courts (drug court, veterans court, young‑adult court); Commissioner Borgeson voted no.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6513416,"Douglas County Corrections reports record use of GPS pretrial releases; pilot opioid antidote Opvie used in facility",507,2459000,2966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd&start=2459&end=2966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd/thumbnail_2459000.jpg","/articles/6513416/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Douglas-County-Corrections-reports-record-use-of-GPS-pretrial-releases-pilot-opioid-antidote-Opvie-used-in-facility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6513416-d20225a5c77f44152a6ebcdfa758156f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104509&Signature=mKHEqOZjfn7JA48LvfZ4dDVWsF8PSv5eZn~8qnF2t4EyS-FimBWYHraaW0w-5FZLPTtgaQU5713FEgyl4t~F9rv6762BxmH3OHWSlS3tzHV-4pWArgLebTxEdr5CDzWGJDKs3NYNblqCizSCA9csI-~20YrTeBcwAbkHIur4c6Ag-ei6HyqC1ifnRzlqZSLbCf2z6VVfVtx95k87uzdKhEZkmKuJcK35~toCrfTiYBoiAjLn1yS9daDH-DKiJfOfUpQ7oDX6UpGSfdeefW~HwO-DNWK1elyPfLoKoJKU-wPJjUSN6Cf1DKgBbN~36t9jaqAQdIu0IOchY2u8h58PvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Douglas County Department of Corrections Deputy Director Amber Redmond reported steady staffing, lower overtime and several operational milestones at the June 24 Board of Corrections meeting.

Redmond said overtime spending fell by about $56,000 in May, and the department had five officers depart below the rank of sergeant (including one retirement) while promoting staff and graduating a 24‑cadet class. She said correctional‑officer ranks were at about 102% of authorized staffing during May and that the new cadets completed field training in June.

On community corrections and pretrial services, Redmond said the sanction center and traditional discharge center together placed 12 people in community corrections, saving 60 bed days. Work release admissions (25) and house‑arrest admissions (42) rose slightly from the prior month. Pretrial services saw a record month: 306 people were placed on pretrial release and 1,345 individuals were supervised on pretrial release during May. GPS monitoring reached a record high with 207 people supervised via ankle monitors; Redmond said this yielded an estimated 4,587 jail bed days saved.

Redmond reported the Department began a pilot program to use Opvie (an opioid antidote with a longer half‑life than naloxone) on May 1 and confirmed the first facility administration. \"The individual who received that dose did respond well, and remained at the facility in the infirmary under medical observation,\" she said. Redmond said Opvie was presented to staff along with partner agencies (Omaha Police Department, Douglas County Health Department, Omaha Fire Department and Nebraska State Probation) and will be evaluated as part of the pilot.

On medical and mental‑health operations, Redmond reported 116 individuals were placed on suicide precautions during May and 208 were placed on drug and alcohol detox protocols. She also said the facility will not be audited this year by the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare because of a backlog; NCCHC extended the current accreditation until the next scheduled audit in 2026.

Reentry and programs: Redmond said therapeutic community housing units admitted 88 individuals in May. The GED program has a waitlist of 128 people with 71 active students; two students obtained GEDs in May. She cited an ongoing expansion of use‑of‑force training (the Tactical Athlete Program) and staff wellness activities.

Why it matters: Redmond emphasized that expanded pretrial supervision and GPS monitoring are both intended to reduce jail bed days and taxpayer cost; the department estimated large per‑diem savings from diverted incarcerations. Commissioners noted the fiscal and community benefits of diversion and asked for more public outreach about pretrial programs.

Meeting context and next steps: Redmond answered commissioners’ questions at the June 24 meeting and commissioners requested a fuller briefing on pretrial program changes at a future meeting. The Opvie pilot and the increased use of GPS monitoring will be monitored by corrections leadership.","Deputy Director Amber Redmond reported falling overtime, improved staffing and record highs in GPS‑monitored pretrial releases and sobriety program participation; the jail began a pilot of the opioid antidote Opvie and reported the first in‑facility administration.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6513421,"Community Mental Health Center requests $23.1 million budget; county subsidy remains about half",1525,212000,1737000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd&start=212&end=1737","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071151-b93e04f2a7f2bea64f1ebe84decc6cdd/thumbnail_212000.jpg","/articles/6513421/Douglas-County/Nebraska/Community-Mental-Health-Center-requests-231-million-budget-county-subsidy-remains-about-half","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6513421-0bc8c4f5752d8c872a008c4b51f34cb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104509&Signature=cAu6W45Jscj0C91dl0quNAU8U6NqrCGfpR~xLXEyxKylAj4p9jjc0ZpRM6LImoPq321DsQssye56DNZ1Dz7JI8LKZ1EG0djyJr83JD0zgV7IgI2ldUE51NgdCDEoUaGvE~aerd7GTjpUTAkjyVz-HMzjg2vW2CdNMqh61cC4NBQtZjKcRA6IUCuCZeMYs9OUFzinK2sVir2th~sB9fO4zs9K6pCttrLm4~Z5imG0tTvcFq8ydS7m8RTONbrG3k4pIKXZzodKA7cIojGToiTC9~c~~7ENupSJS62f2vL2-Zcq9F8BRy-1FQ7TzuIANQq1cPutcZS3Ddovg8eR0Io9CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Mental Health Center presented a $23,077,000 budget request for fiscal year 2025–26, asking Douglas County commissioners to continue funding roughly half the cost of its operations.

The presentation, delivered by Randy Walter, finance and contracts analyst for the Community Mental Health Center, said the request represents a roughly 1.5% increase over the prior year and keeps the center “within our given target.” Walter said total staff head count is about 157, with approximately 125 full‑time‑equivalent positions.

Walter described revenues and expenses as generally in line and said the center projects roughly $11.2 million in non‑county revenues for the year, with the county subsidy near $11.3 million — approximately 50% of the center’s operating budget. He identified pharmacy operations as a major and growing revenue source and cost driver: pharmacy receipts have increased from about $2.7–2.8 million in 2022 to an expected roughly $3.5 million for the current year.

Commissioner John Cavanaugh (first reference: Commissioner John Cavanaugh) asked the presenters to confirm the center’s total expenses and the share covered by non‑Douglas County sources. Walter and other staff responded that 67–74% of the health center’s revenue comes from non‑Douglas County sources (Medicaid, Medicare, Region 6, private insurance and other payers) and that Medicaid and Medicare together represent roughly half the center’s revenue.

Walter said revenue growth has been modest and linked to better billing and collections work, including closer coordination with billing staff. He described Region 6 funding as a relatively steady payer that now represents roughly 15% of revenue (down from earlier years because of Medicaid expansion) and said Region 6 has not increased rates recently, which adds pressure to management of expenses.

The presentation included multi‑year trend slides showing expenses averaging about a 4.5% increase year over year across five years, with personnel and benefits totaling about $15 million of the $23 million request. Walter said the center has come in under budget in four of the last four years and emphasized efforts to reduce accounts receivable, increase collections and manage pharmacy costs.

Walter outlined several revenue and expense management strategies — improving billing/collections, marketing to raise census, and several ways to reduce non‑personnel costs — and recommended continuing the center’s current approach while watching payer rate movement. Chair Commissioner Roger Garcia (first reference: Chair Commissioner Roger Garcia) asked staff to continue to report key revenue trends.

Why it matters: Commissioners repeatedly framed the center as a regional provider whose services are paid largely by non‑Douglas County revenue sources (Medicaid, Medicare, Region 6 and private payers). That mix affects the county subsidy and makes the center’s financial outlook sensitive to payer rate decisions and to collection performance.

Meeting context and next steps: The presentation was informational; no formal vote was taken on the budget request during the June 24 meeting. Commissioners and staff flagged follow‑up questions about payer rate trends and the center’s ability to shift census or services to pursue higher reimbursement. The center’s budget materials will be considered in the county’s broader budget process.","Douglas County Community Mental Health Center presented its fiscal-year 2025–26 budget request of about $23.08 million, describing steady headcount, revenue tied to pharmacy and Medicaid, and strategies to control costs and improve billing collections.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves interim pay for County Treasurer chief deputy; appointment to follow

After public outcry, commissioners lay over vote on sheriff’s Office of Violence Prevention grant to July 8

Commissioners approve grant to fund a sheriff's deputy for problem‑solving courts, 6‑1 vote

Douglas County Corrections reports record use of GPS pretrial releases; pilot opioid antidote Opvie used in facility

Community Mental Health Center requests $23.1 million budget; county subsidy remains about half