Gage County supervisors approve claims, a Blue Rivers appointment and recommend Jet Stop liquor license; closed session held for contract negotiations

GAGE COUNTY, Neb. — The Gage County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved the consent agenda, voted separately to approve two claims connected to county officials with abstentions, appointed a member to the Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging Governing Board, recommended a Class D liquor license for a local business to the state, and held a closed session on contract negotiations.

Consent agenda and claims

The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the Oct. 1 meeting and routine claims through Oct. 15, 2025. The consent agenda approval was moved by Supervisor Dorn and seconded by Supervisor Haxby and carried by a 6‑0 vote.

Two claims were pulled for separate consideration: claim no. 2510000172 to Hard Rock Quarries LLC for $2,385.79 and claim no. 2510000174 to Johnny's Welding Inc. for $49.35. County staff disclosed during the meeting that the companies named were associated with county officials. The two claims were approved after separate motion (moved by Barnes; second by Adams) with two supervisors recorded as abstaining. The initial claims total before the two separate items was stated as $667,218.76; including the two items raised the total to $669,653.90.

Appointment and liquor license recommendation

The board voted 6‑0 to appoint Harold “Skip” McFerrin to the Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging Governing Board (motion by Adams; second by Haxby). Later the county held a public hearing and then voted to recommend a Class D liquor license for Jet Stop, a business on East Highway 136 near the local industrial plant referenced in the meeting. The public hearing produced no speakers in support or opposition; the board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for final action.

Closed session and other business

Supervisors moved into closed session at 9:19 a.m. for contract negotiation discussions; the board left closed session at 9:59 a.m. The motion to enter closed session was moved and seconded on the record; the board later recorded a 4‑in‑favor vote to end closed session. No contract details were disclosed in open session.

Committee reports and county operations

Supervisors received routine committee updates. Building and grounds reported progress on a courthouse ramp project and a winter lights committee meeting scheduled Oct. 22. A facilities representative said hydronic tubing for the ramp was being installed and doors were expected by Nov. 10. The jail committee reported the annual jail inspection had passed. Road and bridge reports noted increased phone calls about road conditions after recent rains; a supervisor said he planned to submit a CBMP grant application and expected to file it ahead of the deadline.

Ending

With no further business, supervisors adjourned the meeting at about 10:00 a.m.