Rawlins County commissioners approve landfill payment, property listing and a mobile-welder purchase; set advanced voting dates

The Rawlins County Board of Commissioners met Oct. 15, 2024, and took several administrative and project-related actions, including approving a payment application for county landfill work, approving a commercial listing agreement and authorizing a purchase of a mobile welder.

Commissioner Lincoln Pochop called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. Commissioner Mark Mosley moved to approve the agenda and Commissioner Alan A. Solko seconded; the motion carried. The board approved minutes from Sept. 16 and Sept. 30 and signed an addition from the county clerk’s office.

Officials reminded the public that advanced voting begins Oct. 16 and runs weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 4, with Election Day Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Department staff also announced flu shots to be offered after the meeting.

Janice Bohme described two Nex‑Generation Round Up for Youth programs—a business internship and a work‑study option—and said a grant may reimburse some summer internship expenses. Alicia Baumfalk provided an update on Operation Green Light and said a new insurance plan with Freedom Claims will begin Jan. 1, with open enrollment to be scheduled; she also noted she will be out of the office Oct. 16–21. Officials reported increased use of the new pickleball/tennis/basketball court.

Landfill supervisor Corey Castens reported the county will continue searching for a landfill compactor that meets specifications within a roughly $100,000 Equipment Reserve Fund budget after rejecting a candidate because it had the wrong tires and hauling costs were high. Castens announced a Household Hazardous Waste Day for Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. He also addressed a rumor that Bird City’s recycling was being picked up and sorted by "North Plate Recycling," saying he doubted it and would follow up.

Representatives from Miller & Associates, Chris Miller and Bernie Straetker, provided a project update on landfill Cells 5–7. The firm lists Phase 1 substantial completion as May 10; commissioners and the contractor discussed penalty days tied to differing contract deadlines and agreed to remove one penalty day to account for unexpected concrete. Straetker said he will issue a change order reflecting that adjustment. Commissioner Lincoln Pochop moved and Commissioner Alan A. Solko seconded approval and signing of Miller & Associates’ Application & Certificate for Landfill Cell 5 & 6 Closure and Cell 7 Development Payment No. 5; the motion carried. Chris Miller said about $250,000 of work remained before final payment could be made.

Diana Skiles reviewed a commercial exclusive right‑to‑sell listing for Pine Branch Real Estate and answered commissioners’ questions. The listing price was set at $100,000; commissioners approved the agreement and noted they could hold a special meeting if an offer required a time‑sensitive response.

Corina Cox (CVR), joining by GoToMeeting, said procurement paperwork for a mobile welder/generator had been approved through the Department of Commerce. The lower bid from IRC Welding Supplies was $6,713.38; Commissioner Alan A. Solko moved to award the purchase and Commissioner Lincoln Pochop seconded; the motion carried.

Janice Bohme asked County Attorney Isaac LeBlanc whether a tax sale was planned; LeBlanc confirmed a tax sale is expected but no date has been set. The Rawlins County Health Center’s Janet Filpi was recorded as a no‑show. Commissioners discussed a Halloween potluck to follow the Oct. 31 meeting, which will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Mark Mosley moved to adjourn and Commissioner Alan A. Solko seconded; the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.