County clerk alerts commissioners to possible loss of Title 4 reimbursement; board ratifies receipt

Jennifer, the county clerk, told the board that clerks across Nebraska had received an amendment to the HHS Title 4 reimbursement contract that could affect payments to counties. She said the wording of the addendum raised concern that federal or state funds might no longer be available and that the Clerks Association had contacted NACO for guidance.

"In the amendment, we were notified that of the funds maybe perhaps no longer being available," Jennifer said, and she included the amounts Hall County has received in past years to show potential fiscal impact.

Commissioner Pam Lancaster stressed that the contract is between the state and counties and that presenting the amendment to the board makes the matter public. Lancaster recounted similar past episodes when state language caused reimbursements to be suspended or returned to the state, creating fiscal pressure for counties. "This is worth about $40,000," she said, describing it as a significant amount for the county.

After discussion, the board unanimously voted to ratify the Clerks Offices action acknowledging receipt of the amendment and to continue monitoring NACO and state guidance. The board recorded a 7–0 vote to ratify the clerk's acknowledgment and asked staff to share further information if NACO or the state provides updates.

Why it matters: If Title 4 reimbursements are reduced or discontinued, some county services that rely on state reimbursement could face budget shortfalls, and recognizing receipt of the amendment puts the matter on the public record.

The clerk said she would alert the board if NACO or other state entities provide additional information on funding availability.