Nemaha County adopts hazard-mitigation plan and declares emergency after May 18 storm

The Nemaha County Board of Commissioners on May 20 adopted two emergency and planning measures related to recent severe weather, voting to approve the Nemaha Natural Resources District Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026 and to declare an emergency for the May 18, 2026 storm.

The actions were approved by Commissioners Bryan Mellage and Michael Weiss. Mellage moved and Weiss seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-19, which the minutes state adopts the hazard mitigation plan prepared by Jeo Consulting Group. The board also voted to adopt Resolution 2026-20, the emergency declaration related to high winds and heavy rain on May 18. Roll-call votes on the recorded motions show Mellage and Weiss voting "aye." Commissioner Mike Hall was recorded as absent for the session.

Why it matters: adopting a hazard mitigation plan creates an updated framework counties and local jurisdictions use to seek state and federal mitigation funding and to coordinate long-term risk reductions. An emergency declaration can be a precursor to seeking additional assistance, streamline interagency coordination or allow use of emergency authorities during initial recovery.

In discussion recorded in the minutes, county officials also noted storm damage to the courthouse yard. Treasurer Jana Gerdes asked whether the county could assist with the deductible for damage to a private vehicle; the board took no action on that request because it was not on the published agenda. Assessor Mallory Lempka reminded property owners that Form 425 (Report of Damaged Real Property) must be filed with the county clerk on or before July 15 for damage that occurred on or after January 1 and before July 1 of the current year.

The resolutions were adopted at the board meeting; the minutes do not specify subsequent administrative steps or effective dates beyond the recorded adoption. The board adjourned at 10:51 a.m.