County hears benefits rate update, handbook changes and elevator phone repair plan

County staff and outside advisers presented several administrative updates at the May 18 meeting.

Mike Boden and Jessica Witting of the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) briefed commissioners on benefits and open-enrollment planning. They said current plans are projected to increase about 4.68% for the coming year and noted some counties are moving to partial family premium contributions; the commissioners requested information on plans that offer family options for discussion at a future meeting.

Karen Baker reviewed three employee handbook changes approved in December 2025 that had not been fully implemented: renaming the 'Probationary Period' to 'Introductory Period'; changing the billing-hours threshold from 35 to 32 hours for PTO accrual; and altering PTO usage notice from a two-week minimum to ‘as much notice as practicable.’ Chairman Tecker instructed Deputy Clerk Christina Collier to include a copy of the updated policy in employee paystubs.

Baker also raised a courthouse safety and compliance issue: the emergency phone in the courthouse elevator has been out of compliance for more than a year. She said KONE Service Center confirmed it provides regional service and is willing to repair the unit; the board continued the matter to the next meeting to review forms that would permit KONE to perform service.

County Attorney Arlan Wine updated commissioners that the Region 51 Emergency Management agreement previously approved by the board has been forwarded to the City of Benkelman and will go to the Village of Haigler after city action. Separately, Brophy Electric deemed the Max tornado siren unusable and estimated replacement at $10,000–$25,000; Region 51 is pursuing a grant to cover replacement and the siren will be removed until a replacement is secured.

Sheriff Bang presented the monthly report noting 38 calls in April and two inmates in long-term lodging.