Keith County commissioners agreed to submit a reimbursement claim next week for a cleanup paid for by resident Carson Blackman under the county's nuisance program. County staff said Blackman requested reimbursement of $9,916.66 for demolition and tree removal at his property, and presented receipts to back the request. County staff said the program typically reimburses a third of demolition costs and half of other nuisance-item expenses.

The county official said the submitted receipts show demolition costs recorded at $8,416.66 and tree work totaling $3,000; half of the tree charge was $1,500, and the combined total matched the $9,916.66 request. The official said the claim will be placed in the payment box for processing next week.

Commissioners and staff discussed the funding source and possible grant support. A county staff member told commissioners that the payment would come from the county's Keno (gaming) special projects fund. A representative from a state agency flagged that the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy offers demolition grant programs and that the county, as a political subdivision, is eligible to apply for those funds. Staff said the county could coordinate grant applications with property owners and use Keno funds to advance payments and then seek state reimbursement.

Commissioners discussed continuing the nuisance program in smaller communities such as Roscoe, where the county previously provided dumpsters for residents who could not afford cleanups. County staff said the program gives residents an opportunity to apply for help, have cleanup work evaluated, and be reimbursed after the work is done. Commissioners and staff also discussed expanding the program to cover tree removal and unlicensed vehicles depending on available funds and grant opportunities.

Staff recommended continuing to partner with state agencies on future grant applications and to brief the board before using Keno fund balances for upfront payments. The county will process Blackman's claim through the normal payroll/claims cycle next week.