Lincoln County commissioners approve engineering contract, permit, grant pass‑through, moratorium extension and road repairs

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners took a series of routine and policy actions on April 14, 2025. The board approved a 2025 engineering services agreement, a special event liquor permit, an authorization for the county to act as a community development block grant (CDBG) pass‑through for Las Menonitas, a nine‑month extension of a temporary moratorium on commercial/utility‑scale wind and solar energy systems, formal de‑obligation from a U.S. Department of Justice COPS grant, and a road‑repair contract for Hershey‑Dickens Road. The county’s Board of Equalization also approved two personal‑property correction/refund actions.

Key votes and actions

- 2025 engineering agreement with TC Engineering: The board approved and authorized signatures on the 2025 engineering agreement that will support county overlay and road engineering work. Outcome: approved.

- Special designated liquor permit for an event at Homestead Pumpkin Patch (May 24, 2025): The board approved a special event liquor permit submitted by Pals Brewing Company (the packet includes a reference to “Powell’s Brewing Company”); the motion was amended to authorize appropriate signatures. Outcome: approved.

- Lincoln County acting as CDBG pass‑through for Las Menonitas: The board authorized the county to serve as the pass‑through entity for a Community Development Block Grant application from Las Menonitas; West Central Nebraska Development District will handle reporting and technical assistance. The item was described as having no financial obligation to the county. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025‑10 — extension of temporary moratorium on commercial/utility‑scale wind and solar energy conversion systems: The board adopted Resolution No. 2025‑10, extending the county’s temporary moratorium for up to nine months or until updated zoning regulations and a comprehensive plan amendment are adopted (whichever occurs first). The resolution was placed on the agenda at the request of Commissioner Bruns; the board said the extension will allow completion of planning‑process steps and public hearings. Outcome: approved.

- De‑obligation/withdrawal from a COPS grant: The board authorized the chair’s signature on a letter to de‑obligate the county from its previously pursued COPS grant application and to formally withdraw per the grant office instructions. Outcome: approved.

- Road repairs (Shelco) — Hershey‑Dickens Road: The board approved a proposal from Shelco to repair three soft‑spot locations on Hershey‑Dickens Road, with the county performing subgrade work and Shelco supplying hot‑mix asphalt placement. Approved amount: $14,820. Outcome: approved.

- Board of Equalization — personal‑property certificate corrections and refunds: The Board of Equalization approved two personal‑property corrections/refunds submitted by the county assessor: Pepper Jack’s Grill (closed Jan. 5, 2025) in the amount of $928.96, and the David Cain agency (business closed Mar. 31, 2024) in the amount of $71.78. Outcome: approved.

Procedural notes: Several motions were handled by roll call; board members confirmed support for the items above and legal staff will review final documents where indicated (for example, pass‑through paperwork and support‑letter language for broadband). The project SE Banner Road proposal was tabled for further engineering review and will return to a future meeting.

No votes were recorded on the presentation items (West Central District Health Department and the Congressman’s office update).