PC Commissioners approve zoning agreement, selects new audit firm
By Samantha Goff
Grant Tribune Sentinel
Perkins County Commissioners approved a new agreement for zoning administration services, authorized a countywide commercial property reappraisal and selected a new auditing firm during their regular meeting July 20.
One of the meeting’s most significant actions was approval of a professional services agreement with the West Central Nebraska Development District to continue providing zoning administration services for Perkins County.
Commissioner Mark Bottom abstained from voting after disclosing a conflict of interest because he currently serves as chairman of the West Central Nebraska Development District Board. Commissioners Steven Tucker and Darin Robertson voted in favor of the agreement.
Commissioners also approved a maintenance agreement with Stanard Appraisal Services Inc. to conduct a reappraisal of commercial properties throughout the county, including grain elevators and agricultural chemical facilities.
County Assessor Regina Berry told commissioners the appraisal work will be conducted under an agreement running from Aug. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
The board also adopted Resolution 2026-16 approving the county’s 2025 Local Emergency Operations Plan. Emergency Manager James Brueggeman presented the resolution, which received unanimous approval.
Commissioners also voted to make a change in the county’s auditing services.
Following discussion with County Clerk James Brueggeman and County Treasurer Julie Sestak, the board unanimously declined to sign an audit engagement letter submitted by Dana F. Cole & Company LLP for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
Immediately afterward, commissioners unanimously approved a proposal from Gabriel, Burger & Else, Certified Public Accountants of Seward, to provide auditing services for the county during fiscal years 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29. Brueggeman reviewed the history of previous audit costs and service while Sestak discussed how the audit process affects the treasurer’s office.
During reports from elected officials and department heads, County Attorney Richard Roberts updated commissioners on the federal lawsuit filed by Ian Stevens against Perkins County.
Roberts said plaintiff objections and the county’s responses have been filed in U.S. District Court. He expects a ruling on pending motions within six to eight weeks. Roberts also reported the plaintiff’s motion to change venue was denied as premature, with the case expected to remain on future county agendas.
Commissioners also acknowledged receipt of the county treasurer’s semiannual financial statement covering Jan. 1 through June 30.
Additional reports were presented by Brueggeman, Sestak, Berry, Sheriff Jeffrey Miller, Highway Superintendent Steve Leimer, Assistant Highway Superintendent Brian Brassfield and Advanced EMT Travis Ogg regarding their respective departments.
No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.
The board also approved payroll, claims and routine business before adjourning at 11:29 a.m.