Lancaster County commissioners approve $2.32 million appraisal-system contract, police labor pact and a bundle of claims and contracts

Lancaster County commissioners on Nov. 25, 2025, voted to approve a series of claims, contracts and personnel actions, the largest of which was a contract with Esri Canada Limited to replace the county—s computer-assisted mass appraisal system at a cost not to exceed $2,319,773.

Why it matters: The mass appraisal system replacement affects property valuation workflows used by the county assessor—s office; commissioners and staff said the two-year project replaces a system in place since about 2005 and will involve multiple departments. In the same meeting the board adopted a three-year bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 77 and approved public-safety-related purchases and several routine contracts and grants.

The board approved the Esri Canada Limited contract after staff described a multi-stage RFQ process and said the new system will upgrade long-running assessor software and add capabilities currently missing in the county—s 2005-era platform. The clerk presented the contract as item 4c and stated the cost as "not to exceed $2,319,773." The board moved and approved the contract by roll call.

Public safety and technology purchases also advanced. Chief Deputy Ben Houchin presented a $12,210 grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office for the county sheriff—s participation in a national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over"…