Banner County appoints Chastity (Chasta) Lambert as interim county clerk

The Banner County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 1 to appoint Chastity (Chasta) Lambert as the temporary interim county clerk, register of deeds, election commissioner and clerk of the district court.

A committee member moved to appoint “Chastity Chastity Lambert as temporary interim clerk, registered deeds, clerk of the election, clerk of the district court at the current salary,” and a second followed. The board recorded roll-call approval and welcomed Lambert; commissioners discussed start-date options and training support. Chair (Speaker 3) told Lambert the county would notify the Secretary of State and arrange state and vendor assistance as needed.

The appointment followed a structured interview process in which the board questioned three applicants about computer and payroll experience, recordkeeping and willingness to seek help from other county clerks, the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) and the MIPS vendor. One applicant, introduced by the board as Charity Sours, described extensive computer and document-handling experience but limited recent payroll responsibilities and said she would rely on training and assistance if appointed.

Commissioners agreed to list the interim position at the current salary in the motion; they noted a pending salary change that takes effect in January 2027 would not apply to the interim appointment. The board also instructed staff to prepare any necessary bank-signature and payroll paperwork for a follow-up meeting so the appointee could be added to accounts and begin processing claims.

Lambert is expected to begin in the coming days after coordinating with the board on a start date and completing signature/resolution items required by the county bank and the Secretary of State.