Polk County commissioners approve claims, authorize audit and NDOT certifications, and name official newspaper

The Polk County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2 audited and approved claims and warrants across multiple county funds, authorized several administrative actions and designated the county’s official newspaper for 2026.

Chairman Jerry Westring opened the meeting and the board approved the prior minutes. Under a motion by Westring, seconded by Commissioner Boruch, the board allowed claims and directed warrants be drawn against the listed funds; roll call was unanimous. Claims recorded in the minutes include General Fund payroll ($90,226.61) and numerous vendor payments, Road Fund payroll ($34,977.35) and large gravel purchases, Inheritance Tax Fund payments, a small Weed Fund charge, and a Senior Citizen Services Fund payment of $17,183.09. The minutes include vendor names and itemized amounts; the full claims list is available in the official minutes from the County Clerk’s office.

Commissioner Boruch moved, and Chairman Westring seconded, to authorize the chairman to sign the management representation letter to Contryman Associates for Polk County’s 2024–2025 audit; the motion passed on a 3-0 roll call. Commissioner Boruch also moved, with Commissioner Boss seconding, to authorize the chairman to sign the Certification of County Highway Superintendent required by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, certifying Polk County employed a licensed highway superintendent during 2025; that motion also passed unanimously.

In separate votes, Chairman Westring moved to designate the Polk County News as Polk County’s official newspaper for 2026; Commissioner Boss seconded and the board approved the designation. These administrative motions were recorded by roll call in the meeting minutes.