Commissioners take on county’s ‘21-22 budget

The Chase County Commissioners’ July 27 meeting carried over into the afternoon as planned, to discuss various budgets within the county’s overall budget.
Several county officials were on hand to discuss budget items and requests, including a request by Prairie Plains CASA for support for the upcoming fiscal year.  
Attending that portion of the meeting was Chase County Community Hospital CEO Abby Cyboron, Karen Mueller with the county court, Karen Baker for the county attorney and child support budgets, Sheriff Kevin Mueller for his office, communications and jail budgets and Emergency Manager Duane Dreiling.
A report from the District 11 Probation Office showed the status of probation, and an itemized list of the budget was also provided.
Clerk Debbie Clark discussed a one-time increase in her budget for microfilming her office’s documents.
Assessor Dotty Bartels’ budget increased due to state-required data entry on homesteads.
The board was also told to expect an increase in district court travel expenses to Perkins County until a judge is appointed to replace retiring Judge David Urbom.  
Open forum
The commissioners had several visitors during open forum early in the meeting.
Bob and Burnetta Ahrens asked the board to add common mullein to the Chase County noxious weed list. The commissioners will talk to county weed superintendent Brandon Beard before making any decisions.
Kenny Kitt stopped by the meeting over concerns about Avenue 343. Kitt suggested adding open range signs between 736 and 738 Roads.
With decisions needing to be made about access to Champion Lake, Dreiling brought in pictures he had taken with the county’s drone to help the commissioners consider an alternate entrance.
Board tackles agenda items
Gary Olson attended the meeting with a concern about 749 Road west of 342 Avenue being scheduled for minimum maintenance. The road has been vacated and Chase County Deputy Attorney Rory Roundtree suggested Olson work with landowners along the road for access by easement.
Char Wallin was appointed to the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department board, replacing Jordan Hammerlun.
The next meeting of the commissioners is Tuesday at 8 a.m. in the Chase County Courthouse.