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Nemaha County commissioners approve $365,000 motor grader purchase, set 2.5% pay raises and sign floodplain contract
Summary
At its Aug. 13 meeting in Auburn, the Nemaha County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a new John Deere motor grader for $365,000, adopted the annual roads-classification certification, approved a floodplain administrator contract at $185/hour and set 2025–26 pay increases (2.5% standard; EMA director 4%).
AUBURN, Neb. — The Nemaha County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 13 approved a cluster of budget and equipment decisions the board said are aimed at maintaining county roads and routine operations.
By roll call vote the board accepted a sealed bid from Murphy Truck & Tractor for a new 2025 John Deere 772 P‑Tier articulated motor grader with 6WD for $365,000, trading in a 2002 Caterpillar 140‑H. Commissioner Mike Hall moved to accept the Murphy bid; Chairman Michael Weiss seconded and the motion passed 2–1, with Commissioner Bryan Mellage voting no.
The motor grader award followed two other sealed-bid options from NMC Cat (a 2025 Caterpillar 150‑15 AWD for $317,400 and a 2025 Caterpillar 140 13A AWD for $294,600) that the board declined in favor of the John Deere unit.
The board also approved personnel and administrative actions tied to the county budget. Commissioners set a standard 2.5% pay increase for county employees for the 2025–26 year and approved a 4% increase for Emergency Management Agency Director Renee Critser. Commissioner Bryan Mellage advocated for the uniform 2.5% raise; Hall and Weiss agreed to the separate 4% adjustment for the EMA director.
In other business, the board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025‑15, the county’s annual certification of program compliance for roads classification required by the State of Nebraska. The board also approved and signed a Floodplain Administrator Agreement with Midwest Engineering Inc. at a rate of $185.00 per hour.
Two routine sales and claims motions passed: the board accepted a $378 bid from Julie Smith for an antique Clerk of District Court cabinet, and it approved a late invoice claim from Andrew Fertilizer & Chemical LLC despite the vendor filing after the 90‑day filing deadline cited in Neb. Rev. Stat. §23‑135. Both motions were approved by roll call.
Several agenda items were postponed or remain in progress. The board tabled replacement of Road District #2’s 1989 Cornhusker Rock Pup trailer and a driveway agreement for Shawn Peck (rural Auburn). The board discussed replacement planning for Bridge C006423450 (722 Road east of 650 Avenue) and heard that Midwest Engineering Inc. is preparing plans; no action or funding decision was recorded in the minutes.
County officials also presented routine monthly reports (county clerk, clerk of district court, veterans service, sheriff’s office and treasurer). The board adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
Minutes and a complete record of claims and contracts are maintained in the office of County Clerk Diane Johnson and on the Nemaha County website.
