Otoe County approves tower repairs, orders No Trespassing signs and limits oil drop-off to business hours

The Otoe County Board of Commissioners on April 7 approved repairs to a donated communication tower and voted to install No Trespassing signage on restricted county properties.

Hayden Tower Service provided a quote of $6,225.00 to perform 2025 tower inspection repairs on a donated county communication tower. After the county roads department agreed to remove vegetation and install a No Trespassing sign—items quoted at $1,075.00—the board approved the remaining work by Hayden Tower Service, Inc. for $5,150.00. The motion to approve the reduced quote passed unanimously (5-0).

Commissioner Parsons moved, with Commissioner Freshman seconding, to place No Trespassing signs at county-owned properties where access is restricted. The board discussed a prior sign at the road department reading “Private Property – No Trespassing” and noted that NIRMA had recommended signage to reduce liability. The board clarified that some county-owned property remains open to the public while restricted areas (for example, the oil recycling trailer) will be marked and access limited.

On that point, the board agreed the oil recycling tank at the road shop will remain available to residents only during business hours; staff will lock the tank outside those hours and unlock it upon request. Sally DuBois noted that the road department is listed as a residential oil recycling site on some websites, supporting the need for clear signage and access rules.

The board recorded no dissenting votes on these items. The actions direct the roads department to install signage and to coordinate the tower work with Hayden Tower Service.