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Gage County Board approves permits, service agreements and reinsurance plan; budget and tax outlook discussed
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Summary
The Gage County Board of Supervisors on July 24 approved a special-use permit, a temporary alcohol license, an agreement with Region 5 Systems, and a reinsurance plan for 2024–25. Board members also debated the coming budget, mill levy dynamics and a $5.4 million reimbursable grant; a board member disclosed an interest in two companies tied to separate claims.
BEATRICE, Neb. — The Gage County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved a string of routine and financial items and spent an extended session on the county's health reinsurance options and the coming fiscal-year budget.
The board voted to approve Resolution 24-08, a special-use permit (2024-3) allowing a commercial retail business in Lincoln Township, and a special designated license for Tall Tree Tasting LLC for an Oct. 20 event at the Chic Shed in Beatrice. Both measures passed with unanimous roll calls recorded in the meeting.
Board members also approved an agreement between Gage County and Region 5 Systems for EPC services covering July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. County officials said the service provides law-enforcement personnel with immediate behavioral‑health expertise by phone and periodic on‑site assessment when needed.
The most detailed discussion centered on the county's proposed reinsurance plan for 2024–25. County staff reported they solicited bids from more than 20 carriers; many declined to quote, and one responding quote showed a 34.8% increase. Miss Hill, who led the presentation, described the county's approach to self‑insurance and risk exposure, saying the county's projected maximum exposure was "2,191,000." She outlined potential cost‑reduction steps — switching pharmacy administrators (a SmithRx option estimated to save about $150,000), expanding Teladoc use and encouraging employees to use in‑network imaging vendors — and urged continued employee education to reduce claims.
After questions from board members and mention of prior large claims, the board approved the recommended reinsurance plan (motion by Schuler; second by Swavely). The motion carried with six in favor.
Budget and tax discussion followed. The chair and other supervisors emphasized that tax asking (the dollar amount requested) can rise even when the mill levy remains flat if valuations increase; they said the county plans budgets based on actual tax dollars residents will pay rather than setting the mill levy first. Board members noted the county has set aside emergency funds and a road and bridge sinking fund to cover major reimbursable projects without additional tax asking.
One large capital project discussed was a reimbursable grant, applied for by Miss Haxby, estimated at $5.4 million. Officials said the county must have funds available up front to cover project costs and would then be reimbursed under the grant terms.
On the consent agenda the board approved claims and routine items. When two claims were called for separate consideration — claim 24070208 to Hard Rock Quarries LLC ($344.93) and claim 24070216 to RL Timan/RL Timah Construction Inc. ($34,004.27) — the chair disclosed a personal interest, stating, "These are both companies I'm involved with." The motion to approve those claims passed with five in favor and one abstention recorded in the meeting minutes.
The board closed the public portion of its meeting to hold an executive session to receive an update on a complaint filed with an agency; no action was announced after the closed session. The board adjourned at 10:46 a.m.
What's next: Staff said any final contract language will be forwarded to county counsel for review and that protest hearings related to the county appraisal process will continue as scheduled ahead of final budget and levy decisions.