Weed superintendent reports improved Department of Agriculture scores; county tables enforcement resolutions pending legal review

The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners accepted the county weed superintendent’s annual report and then tabled four follow-up items — two resolutions and related forms — until county legal counsel reviews the documents.

Steve Baird, weed superintendent, reviewed the county’s annual report to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the department’s evaluation. Baird said the county received high marks for inspections and roster accuracy but was docked points in other categories for items such as county follow-ups, activity reports and continuing education. "We had 8 open files with the NDA. I did not know we had them. We've had them since 2020," Baird told the board, and he said he has followed up on those cases this spring and sent letters to property owners.

Nut graf — why it matters: The Department of Agriculture review affects future state support and oversight of county weed-control programs. Commissioners accepted the report and Baird said he has completed required continuing education and licensing updates that should improve next year’s score.

Board action and tabling: The board voted to accept and sign the report to indicate the board had discussed the matter. Later in the Weed Authority portion of the agenda Baird presented four draft items developed after statewide weed training: two resolutions delegating enforcement notice authority to the superintendent (10- and 15-day notices), a fee schedule to impose doubled rates for enforced control, and related forms. County counsel had not completed a legal review and Baird recommended the items be reviewed by counsel. The board then voted to table the four weed-authority items until the attorney’s office provides recommended wording; the motion passed by a 5-0 vote.

What was discussed about grants and funding: Baird told the board that Scotts Bluff County does not receive Department of Agriculture funding for the weed program; the county program is funded by local tax dollars. He said some point deductions stemmed from missing zeros entered on forms and a need to flesh out the county control plan with more detail, and he reported he had completed additional continuing-education hours since the report was written.

Ending: The board accepted the annual report and directed staff to bring the two resolutions, fee schedule and forms back for approval after attorney review. The board scheduled no further immediate action on enforcement authority or fee changes until legal language is finalized.