Dickmeyer on as new Veterans Service Officer, J Bar J discussed at commissioners meeting
The Perkins County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting June 16 at the county courthouse. Commissioners Steve Tucker, Darin Robertson, and Mark Bottom were present, along with County Attorney Richard Roberts and Clerk James Brueggeman. Chairman Tucker called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Public Hearings
Three public hearings were held, starting with a zoning amendment request by J Bar J Land, Inc. to strike language in county zoning regulations requiring a local permit after obtaining Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) landfill permits. The board approved the amendment 3-0 following brief discussion and public input.
A second hearing addressed J Bar J Land’s Conditional Use Permit request to expand a sanitary landfill near Road 770. Representatives from J Bar J and Weaver Consultants spoke in support, while several residents, including Ruth and Dennis Demmel and Idonna Deaver, voiced concerns regarding groundwater safety, oversight, and nearby residential impacts. The board took no action, citing the need for additional zoning revisions and requesting the applicant resubmit to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
A third hearing involved a permit request by Midwest Electric Membership Cooperative Corporation for a commercial solar conversion system in rural Perkins County. Nearby landowners raised questions about the project. Due to the absence of the applicant, the board tabled the item to allow further discussion between stakeholders.
County Business and Approvals
Commissioners approved the hiring of Kim Dickmeyer as Perkins County Veterans Service Officer at a rate of $26 per hour, following the recommendation of the Veterans Service Board.
The board approved the 2025–26 Cooperative Services Agreement and Work Plan with USDA Wildlife Services and signed a 2023 cybersecurity grant agreement with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.
A new letter agreement for county budget preparation was also adopted, reflecting changes due to the retirement of longtime budget consultant Rita Long.
In road department matters, the board retroactively reinstated a $100 boot allowance and $250 safety glasses reimbursement for employees, effective January 1. Commissioners also approved the purchase of a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia truck for $35,500.
The board adopted Resolution 2025-09, authorizing participation in the federal 5311 Program Agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation for public transit funding.
A contract between Perkins County Public Transit and HBSS Connect Corp. for transit software was reviewed by the county attorney and forwarded to a future meeting for further input from Transit Director Trish Jimenez.
Reports and Correspondence
Updates were provided by county officials including the zoning administrator, public transit director, sheriff, and highway superintendent. Fee reports from the District Court and Sheriff’s Office for May 2025 were received.
Commissioners reviewed correspondence from Region II regarding service costs for FY 2025–26 and a funding request from the Perkins County Chamber of Commerce for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display. Both items will be addressed during upcoming budget discussions.
The meeting adjourned at 1:28 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Perkins County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Monday, June 30, at the county courthouse in Grant. The Board of Equalization will convene at 9 a.m. that same day.