Commissioners approve 4% cost-of-living adjustment, honor Assessor Burton
The Perkins County Board of Commissioners approved a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees and recognized retiring County Assessor Peggy Burton during its regular meeting June 15 at the Perkins County Courthouse.
The adjustment, approved as part of preliminary budget discussions for fiscal year 2026-27, followed a review of inflation projections presented by County Clerk and budget preparer James Brueggeman. The board voted unanimously to adopt the 4% increase.
Commissioners also met with Burton, who is retiring after years of service to Perkins County. Board members presented her with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for her dedication to county government. Burton expressed appreciation to the commissioners for their cooperation during her tenure.
The board approved payroll totaling $76,840.95 and claims across multiple county funds, including general operations, roads, fairgrounds, emergency communications and ambulance services.
During departmental updates, commissioners heard reports from Brueggeman, Sheriff Jeffrey Miller, Highway Superintendent Steve Leimer and Assistant Highway Superintendent Brian Brassfield. The board also acknowledged receipt of May fee reports from the county clerk and district court. Commissioners discussed possible solutions to stormwater drainage issues at the Perkins County Fairgrounds but took no formal action.
In other business, the board approved a Nebraska Regional Interoperability Network ballot appointing Brandon Myers to represent the Southwest Emergency Management Region on the organization’s board of directors.
The commissioners also approved a Nebraska Liquor License amendment application reflecting a change in licensee name at Pheasant Run Golf Club.
To prepare for upcoming budget requirements, the board authorized NACO/MIPS, the State Print Shop and Pitney Bowes to assist with printing and mailing joint public hearing postcards for the 2026-27 budget process if needed.
No public comments were received during the meeting’s public comment period.
Commissioners received correspondence from J Bar J Landfill regarding its May tipping fee report and from the Nebraska Department of Transportation seeking local input for updates to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan and Long-Range Transportation Plan.
The meeting adjourned at 10:22 a.m.
The next regular meeting of the Perkins County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for June 30 at 8:30 a.m. at the Perkins County Courthouse in Grant. County officials also noted that the Perkins County Courthouse will be closed July 3 in observance of Independence Day.