Scotts Bluff County commissioners appoint Assessor Robert Simpson to added management accountant and HR duties over objections

The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 to appoint County Assessor Robert Simpson to the county’s management accountant and human resources director role while he continues to serve as elected assessor.

Commissioners said they vetted legal questions in advance and received a memo indicating Nebraska precedent allows an elected official to provide additional services to a county if conflicts are disclosed and managed. County counsel and outside counsel reviewed relevant advisory opinions and advised the board that such arrangements are not per se illegal but require conflict‑management plans, the board heard.

The decision followed more than an hour of discussion at a regularly scheduled meeting, in which commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about workload, optics and checks and balances. Commissioner Ken Meyer warned the move could create “two part‑time positions” where full‑time staffing is needed and pressed for clear safeguards. “My concern is that first of all, it’s not a contract… We are now setting up two part‑time positions,” he said during the meeting.

Several public commenters urged caution. Resident Robin Kinney said she did not doubt Simpson’s ability but pressed for clarity on costs and oversight: “I’m not questioning Robert’s abilities… but you have two full‑time positions that both deserve full‑time attention,” she said, asking how the change would affect taxpayers and how checks and balances would be enforced.

Supporters argued the arrangement could save money and that Simpson’s resume and experience make him a capable candidate to manage both roles. Commissioner Matt (surname recorded in the record) said the county should “think outside the box” and that cross‑training staff around Simpson’s leadership could prevent gaps if someone leaves or is ill.

Chair and selection committee members said they had reviewed applications and recommended Simpson, noting his lengthy, varied resume and prior administrative experience. The board’s motion set an effective appointment date and directed staff to work with Simpson and department leadership on training, transitional responsibilities and a conflict‑management plan.

The vote was 3 in favor and 2 opposed, with Commissioners Meyer and Parsley recorded as the two no votes. The board said further implementation details — including reporting lines, task assignments, and budget effects — will be finalized in the coming weeks and that commissioners will monitor progress and hold Simpson accountable to documented expectations.

What’s next: the board expects Simpson to begin transition work immediately and to assume the role officially on the date specified in the appointment; commissioners also asked staff to return with more precise budget and staffing figures and a written plan for segregation of duties and conflict mitigation.