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Red Willow County re-elects leaders, appoints road superintendent and approves 3.5% salary increase for elected officials
Summary
At its Jan. 12 meeting the Red Willow County Board of Commissioners completed annual reorganization, appointed David Blau as county road superintendent, approved multiple reappointments and a non‑reappointment, and amended a resolution to set a 3.5% annual salary increase for elected officials for 2027–2030.
The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners completed its annual reorganization and approved several personnel and administrative actions at a meeting in the Commissioners’ Room on Jan. 12.
Chairman Ted Gans reconvened the Board at 9:18 a.m. and the Board elected Penelope Cooper as chairman pro tem to preside until officers were chosen. The Board then re‑elected Ted Gans as Chairman and Randy Dean as Vice Chairman; both votes were recorded with the chair or vice chair abstaining where noted.
The Board appointed David Blau of Miller & Associates as County Road Superintendent for 2026; the appointment record notes Blau’s County Highway Superintendent License as S‑1653, Class A. Commissioners also nominated and confirmed county representation to a range of committees and boards, adding the McCook Economic Development Corp. and the Nebraska County Extension Board to the list of assignments.
The Board approved several reappointments: Kevin Darling as Emergency Manager, Michael Simmonds as Veterans Service Officer, Brandy Bird as County Health Director and Billie Cole as Director of Household Hazardous Waste. The Board voted not to reappoint Sonya Prentice as Noxious Weed Superintendent. The Hillcrest Board received reappointments for Mike Eklund and Mike Skolout for terms through Dec. 31, 2031.
Treasurer Crystal Dack, Clerk of District Court Lori O’Dea and Assessor Lori Stevens appeared to request an amendment to Resolution No. 1585 (Book 24, Page 92) to set officials’ salaries for the 2027–2030 term. After discussion the Board approved an amendment that reflects a 3.5% annual increase for elected officials for that term.
On routine business the Board reviewed and approved accounts payable claims and a consent agenda that included minutes, claims and multiple surplus property items for county departments. The meeting packet lists a Grand Total of $200,848.39 in claims across General, Road, Health, Fair and other funds; the consent motion also set a public hearing to consider a budget amendment on Jan. 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Other actions included approval of motor vehicle exemption renewals for local nonprofits (Peace Lutheran Church; YMCA of McCook; Evangelical Free Church; Community Action Partnership; Willow Christian Church; McCook Christian Church) and adoption of Resolution No. 1586 designating banks as county depositories for 2026. The Board placed correspondence and reports—including a Tax Equalization Review Board appeal and Miller & Associates’ 2025 bridge inspection report—on file.
Votes at a glance: The meeting record shows roll‑call approvals for agenda adoption, the consent agenda (including claims), the tax roll correction (Booe Machinery & Salvage, decrease $11,081.06), motor vehicle exemption renewals, appointment of the road superintendent, multiple reappointments, the non‑reappointment of the Noxious Weed Superintendent, Resolution No. 1586 (county depositories), and the amendment to Resolution No. 1585 establishing a 3.5% annual increase for elected officials for 2027–2030. Recorded votes list Ayes as Chairman Ted Gans, Commissioner Randy Dean and Commissioner Charles Fritsche for most motions, with abstentions recorded where the subject involved the officer being re‑elected.
The Board adjourned at 11:15 a.m.; the record shows the next regular meeting scheduled for Jan. 26, 2026.
