Saline County commissioners approve contracts, close bids and authorize routine fees and claims

SALINE COUNTY, Neb. — The Saline County Board of Commissioners approved a series of contracts, bid-closing actions and routine financial items at its June 9, 2026 meeting, including a professional services contract for 2027 residential assessments and multiple highway project approvals.

Chairperson Stephanie A. Krivohlavek called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the meeting agenda. Commissioners then approved the May 26, 2026 minutes, with Chair Krivohlavek recorded as abstaining "without conflict."

Commissioner Russ Karpisek moved, and Commissioner Ray Rohrig seconded, to contract with MIPS for professional services related to residential assessment for the towns of Friend and Dorchester for 2027; the motion passed with all five commissioners voting aye.

The board closed bidding for the 2026–27 gravel and 2026–27 crushed-rock contracts to allow county staff to evaluate the proposals received. Bidders named in the record included Southwest Gravel Products, Beatrice Sand & Gravel, Rock On, Hard Rock and Vogt Trucking. Highway Superintendent Bruce Filipi told commissioners he will review submitted bids and bring recommendations to a future meeting.

Commissioners approved Bowman Consulting scopes of services and fees for projects C76(873) and C76(872) and approved change orders for projects C76(806) and C76(823). All motions on highway scopes and change orders passed on unanimous votes.

The board also approved routine monthly financial items: May 2026 Clerk fees of $47,081.15; May Clerk of the District Court fees of $11,661.81; and May Sheriff fees of $3,800.67. Commissioners approved Resolution #2026-33 to transfer $400 from the General Fund to the Grant Fund with full reimbursement when funds are available.

County Attorney David Solheim briefed the board on the JAG grant and explained the VAWA-STOP grant application; both were informational and required no board action. The commissioners voted to participate in the America 250 "Light to Unite" initiative after a motion from Commissioner Karpisek; the motion passed unanimously.

At 12:05 p.m. the board entered a closed session on a recorded motion; they exited at 12:27 p.m. and recorded that no action was taken during the closed session. The meeting concluded with approval of an itemized claims list (with one sales-tax adjustment noted) and adjournment at 1:39 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Approve agenda: moved by Ray Rohrig; seconded by Brian Pribyl; outcome: passed (5–0). - Approve minutes (May 26, 2026): moved by Russ Karpisek; seconded by Phil Hardenburger; outcome: passed (4–0, Krivohlavek abstained). - Contract with MIPS (2027 residential assessment for Friend and Dorchester): moved by Russ Karpisek; seconded by Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0). - Close bids for 2026–27 gravel: moved by Russ Karpisek; seconded by Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0). - Close bids for 2026–27 crushed rock: moved by Russ Karpisek; seconded by Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0). - Approve NACO to facilitate joint public hearing postcards: moved by Ray Rohrig; seconded by Russ Karpisek; outcome: passed (5–0). - Approve May 2026 Clerk fees $47,081.15: moved by Brian Pribyl; seconded by Russ Karpisek; outcome: passed (5–0). - Approve May Clerk of the District Court fees $11,661.81: moved by Brian Pribyl; seconded by Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0). - Approve May 2026 Sheriff fees $3,800.67: moved by Brian Pribyl; seconded by Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0). - Approve America 250 "Light to Unite" initiative: moved by Russ Karpisek; seconded by Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0). - Resolution #2026-33 (transfer $400 from General Fund to Grant Fund): moved by Brian Pribyl; seconded by Phil Hardenburger; outcome: passed (5–0). - Approve Bowman scopes for projects C76(873) and C76(872): moved by Russ Karpisek; seconded by Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0). - Approve change orders for C76(806) and C76(823): moved by Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0). - Enter/exit closed session: moved by Phil Hardenburger / Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0); no action taken in closed session. - Approve claims (with sales-tax adjustment on Claim #2606000102 $3,253.39): moved by Russ Karpisek; seconded by Ray Rohrig; outcome: passed (5–0).

The meeting record shows a full vendor and payroll list presented for approval and that Highway Superintendent Filipi will return with formal recommendations on the submitted gravel and crushed-rock bids at a later meeting.