Lawrence contractor to raze county jail

The Nuckolls County Board of Commissioners met at the county courthouse, Monday, at 8:30 a.m. David Mussman and Timothy Zikmund were present. The death of James Keifer had left a vacancy on the board.

The board discussed salary increases for elected officials. No action was taken by the board. The board reviewed the meal reimbursement amounts for county officials and employees while on official business. No action was taken.

The board received two bids for the demolition of the former county jail and addition. The bid specifications called for the demolition of the building, the removal of the debris and filing in the site with dirt. Mark Haba, Lawrence, submitted a bid of $28,700 for the project. Saathoff Construction, Superior, submitted a bid of $42,500. The board awarded the bid to Haba. No start or completion date was specified.

Bobbi Pettit, Five Rule Planning, presented the board with an overview of a county comprehensive plan. The county is required to have a comprehensive plan to receive grant funds from FEMA and other government entities. The board was advised that zoning issues could also be included in the plan. Pettit will assemble a proposal for the board for their consideration.

The board approved a contract with Murray Law, PC LLC, to serve as the county public defender. The contract will run from Jan., 2022 through Dec. 31, 2023. The amount is $4,250 per month. The alternative is to have county and district court judges appoint defense attorneys. It is thought the fees would be much greater under that system.

The board will meet at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 6, at the county courthouse.