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Seward County to seek bids for used motor grader; board approves $2,000 hiring bonus after split vote
Summary
After the highway department reported equipment constraints and a prolonged vacancy, Seward County commissioners authorized advertising for bids on a used motor grader (bids to open April 21) and approved a Tier 1 $2,000 hiring bonus, with Commissioners Schmieding and Zabrocki voting no on the hiring bonus.
Seward County Highway Superintendent Jon Regnier and Assistant Superintendent Trever Trebilcock told the Board of Commissioners on March 31 that the Road Department has only one motor grader equipped for a rubber-tire packer and only one spare machine, limiting the crew’s ability to keep a backup when equipment is in use or under repair. Regnier presented quotes for a rear-mounted rubber-tire packer and discussed the option to purchase a used motor grader to ensure a backup grader is available.
On a motion by Commissioner Raegan Hain, seconded by Commissioner Ken Schmieding, the board authorized the Road Department to seek bids for a used motor grader; bids will be opened April 21, 2026.
Trebilcock reported a vacancy on the construction and culvert crew that has been open more than six months with no applicants and requested a Tier 1 hiring bonus ($2,000) to attract candidates. The board approved the Tier 1 hiring bonus on a motion by Commissioner Scott Pekarek, seconded by Commissioner Raegan Hain. The vote was 3–2 with Commissioners Scott Pekarek, Raegan Hain and Chair Misty Ahmic voting yes and Commissioners Ken Schmieding and Darrell Zabrocki voting no.
The actions reflect a two-track response: staff will solicit equipment bids to address the immediate equipment-capacity issue while the county will use a limited hiring incentive to try to fill a long-standing vacancy.
Next steps: the county will advertise and open bids for a used motor grader on April 21; county staff will implement the Tier 1 hiring-bonus program for the Road Department position.
