County staff and Nebraska Game and Parks representatives updated the board on a multi‑project funding package for Lakeview and other Lake McConaughy infrastructure projects. The county has funds allocated but cannot proceed with implementation until the program statement is signed by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and acknowledged by the governor.

Staff discussed the administrative steps required before Game and Parks will transfer funds: DAS review of the program statement, governor's acknowledgment, final signature on the program agreement, then county resolution to create a capital projects fund (suggested Fund 4601) to segregate the receipts and expenditures for audit clarity. Staff and the board discussed naming conventions and whether interest earnings on the account would remain with the fund or be returned to the state; staff said unanswered questions about interest and legal requirements require counsel review.

One discussion thread concerned whether certain Lakeview components (example: lighting and EV charging) could be bid and installed now, with Game and Parks retroactively accepting costs. Staff said Game and Parks agreed in principle to cover previously agreed items but that the county would pursue final written confirmation and ensure bids were consistent with the final program statement.

Board members asked legal and financial staff to coordinate with Game and Parks and the county's auditors to finalize language on fund accounting, interest treatment, allowable project list, and the mechanics for addenda to include additional projects if needed. Staff said Game and Parks currently holds an allocation and that about 80% of the initial transfer would go into the proposed capital projects fund if the program proceeds as expected.

Why it matters: The fund supports planned capital projects at Lake McConaughy, including road and recreation improvements. Before funds flow, county and state paperwork and legal clarity must be finalized to ensure compliance with program rules and auditability.

Next steps: Staff will wait for DAS and the governor's acknowledgement of the program statement, obtain final written agreement language from Game and Parks, and consult county legal counsel and auditors about interest treatment and fund accounting prior to bringing a final resolution to the board.