Gage County Board of Equalization approves agenda and minutes, seeks update on countywide appraisal

The Gage County Board of Equalization met Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, and approved the meeting agenda and the minutes of the previous meeting, then asked county staff for an update on a planned countywide appraisal that has not yet started.

The meeting was called to order at 8:36 a.m. by an unidentified presiding speaker, who noted that "The Open Meetings Act is on the wall to my left." Attendance was read "by observation" and included Jurgens, Haxby, Shuler, Tim, Dorn, Swavely and Lionel.

The board voted unanimously to approve the agenda after Dorn moved and Swavely seconded; the presiding speaker announced "7 in favor." Later, a motion to approve the minutes was moved by Swavely, seconded by Dorn and approved by voice vote with the same tally.

During public comments and routine updates, the presiding speaker asked staff for any news on a countywide appraisal. A person identified only as Jennifer said there was "No" update and that the appraisal had "Not yet" started. Following that exchange a member of the public asked, "Why are they charging us?" The board and staff did not record a substantive response beyond scheduling an update: the presiding speaker said the board would "get an update from you next time."

The meeting included brief informal comments after business concluded and adjourned at 8:37 a.m.

Votes at a glance - Approval of agenda: motion to "approve or disapprove the agenda as presented." Moved by Dorn, seconded by Swavely. Outcome: approved; tally announced as 7 in favor. - Approval of minutes: motion to "approve or disapprove the minutes of the previous meeting." Moved by Swavely, seconded by Dorn. Outcome: approved; tally announced as 7 in favor.

What’s next: The board asked staff to provide an update on the countywide appraisal at the next meeting; no start date for the appraisal was provided during the Aug. 21 session.