Business continued as usual in the Dawson County Commissioners chambers Wednesday, July 15, despite the absence of Commissioner Joe Richeson, whose resignation was formally accepted by the board.
Richeson, a Gothenburg native, had served as a county commissioner for several years. His reason for resigning has not been publicly announced. Chairman P.J. Jacobson thanked Richeson for his service and wished him well.
The board accepted Richeson's resignation and voted 4-0 to appoint a committee to fill the vacancy. The committee consists of County Clerk Michaela Arndt, County Attorney Darlene Shafer and County Treasurer Kaitlyn Woltemath.
Arndt said an advertisement for the District 1 commissioner position will be published in the newspaper. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 12, with interviews scheduled for Aug. 18. The appointment of a new commissioner is expected Sept. 1.
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Public Defender Patrick Tarr returned to the board to request approval for a U.S. Bank purchasing card after discussion on the request was postponed from the previous meeting because it was not listed on the agenda.
"We want a credit card to save money on supplies," Tarr said. "There's significant savings that can be brought about."
Tarr told commissioners some office equipment available locally was significantly more expensive than online. He said Eakes had quoted approximately $500 for desktop equipment that could be purchased online for about $200. He also said shredders and filing cabinet supplies needed by the public defender's office were available at lower prices through online retailers.
If approved, the purchasing card would allow Tarr to buy supplies through vendors such as Amazon. Jacobson said the county prefers to support local businesses whenever possible but also has a responsibility to spend taxpayer dollars wisely.
"There is a point where we have to consider that we are using taxpayer dollars," Jacobson said.
The board approved 4-0 Tarr's request and said he would be added to the county's Amazon account once the card is issued.
Highway Superintendent Mark Christiansen asked commissioners to approve a bridge inspection agreement with Oak Creek Engineering.
"Regulations are changing constantly on bridge inspections," Christiansen said. "Now you have to have two bridge inspectors. We technically can't even do our own inspections the way it is right now."
Under the agreement, Oak Creek Engineering will conduct bridge inspections using licensed inspectors. Christiansen said he is currently the county's only licensed bridge inspector, and updated regulations no longer allow him to perform inspections alone.
He said the increasing workload has become difficult to manage as more bridges move to annual inspection schedules and licensed inspectors are required to attend monthly meetings while also completing continuing education to maintain certification.
The board approved the agreement 4-0 and authorized Jacobson to sign it.
Sheriff Mark Montgomery and Deputy Sheriff Edd Albrecht reported the sheriff’s department has served several distress warrants but is still attempting to collect on others because property owners — or, in some cases, the property itself — were not present when deputies arrived.
Montgomery said he believes the situation is related to the Tyson Foods plant closure, which has caused some families to relocate.
He also reported the sheriff's department is doing well and will have a booth at the Dawson County Fair. He encouraged residents to stop by the booth and attend the pancake feed in Cozad on Sunday.
