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Gage County approves $15,000 sheriff-directed cleanup payment amid questions over bidding and insurance
Summary
After extended questioning about procurement and whether insurance should have covered costs, the Gage County Board of Supervisors voted 5–1 to approve a $15,000 claim to Fossil Excavating for a sheriff‑requested holiday cleanup on a county road.
Beatrice, Neb. — The Gage County Board of Supervisors voted Aug. 7 to approve a $15,000 payment to Fossil Excavating for a sheriff‑requested cleanup of trailer debris on a county road, despite objections from one supervisor who urged further review of bids and insurance options.
Supervisor Schuler moved to pay claim #24080012 to Fossil Excavating for $15,000; Supervisor Swavely seconded. The board voted 5–1 to approve the payment, with Supervisor Haxby recording the lone dissent.
Supervisor Emily Haxby repeatedly questioned whether the county had sought multiple bids or checked for insurance coverage before agreeing to the contractor’s price. Board members said the situation presented difficult trade-offs: they emphasized the sheriff’s need to remove a roadway hazard quickly, but several supervisors said they were uncomfortable binding county taxpayers to a high price without comparisons.
Joel Fossler of Fossil Excavating, identified himself for the record and described the work the company performed. "We weren't even in town or nothing — we got there that morning," Fossler said, describing a holiday response and on‑site cleanup. Fossler said the crew performed the job after receiving authorization and that landfill fees and time/travel costs contributed to the total invoice.
The sheriff (identified in the meeting as "Gus") told the board he had authorized the contractor to clear the road over the July 4 holiday because the obstruction posed a public‑safety risk. He and other supervisors also said leaving the debris could create liability if someone were injured while navigating around barricades.
Board members recommended several follow-ups: county staff will check whether any insurance claims could reimburse the county and the county attorney’s office will pursue collection from the trailer owner where appropriate. Supervisors also asked the highway department to assemble a list of local contractors so future emergency cleanups can be compared to expedite response while improving price transparency.
The outcome leaves the county to pursue potential insurance reimbursement or collection while having paid the contractor to reopen the road promptly.
