Advisory committee to review courthouse plans

The Nuckolls County Board of commissioners met at the county courthouse in Nelson, Monday. All three commissioners were present.

The board accepted two bids for gravel for the county road department. Bidders were Mid-Nebraska Aggregate, Gibbon, and Deweese Sand and Gravel.

The road department reported that a fireproof vault was required for road plans. The board advised them to seek information. The records are currently stored in the basement of the courthouse. Plans for all the county bridges are among the papers which are to be stored.

Tami Sharp, county treasurer, reported there were no bidders for delinquent tax certificates. The lack of interest was attributed to a change in state law as to how certain fees are disbursed.

The board approved bids for abandoned cemetery and courthouse mowing and chemical care for the courthouse and sheriff’s office building.

Karen and Bruce Tinkham addressed the board on behalf of the Superior Elks Lodge. They advised the board that a $1,000 grant was available to provide emergency assistance to veterans. They broached the feasibility of having the county veterans service office disburse the funds. After a lenghty discussion, it was decided that the Elks were better positioned to service the program.

The board adjourned briefly to meet as the board of equalization. There was no business before the board.

The road department was advertising for a road maintainer operator because of retirement. A new operator is scheduled to begin work April 1 filling another positon.

Once again, discussion was opened as to the future of the county courthouse.

An inspection by a mold remediation expert confirmed that the basement of the courthouse was beset with a massive mold infestation. Part of the issue was the foundation bricks were saturated with moisture. The board agreed to set up an advisory committee to detail the deficiencies affecting the building. The committee will consult with experts in various fields to determine what, if any, steps, should be taken to renovate the building. The board also heard that a radon remediation installation in the basement was not up to current standards. The committee will report to the board at a later date. The committee is still in the formative stage.

The board agreed to amend a portion of the county comprehensive plan.

County court will be in session Monday, April 1.

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