County officials not eligible for retention bonuses
McCOOK, Neb. — Elected officials themselves aren’t eligible for a $2,000 retention bonus for county employees advanced by Red Willow County Commissioners last week, and Chairman Earl McNutt said that while he is also an employee, he’s going to refuse to accept it “because of all the backlash that’s going on.”
The proposal is up for official approval at the next commissioner meeting, moved to Oct. 17 because the courthouse is closed for Columbus Day on Monday.
Commissioner Randy Dean voted against the original motion, saying that while he was sympathetic with county employees, he questioned whether elected officials were eligible.
Shortly after the vote, County Attorney Paul Wood confirmed that fear, McNutt said, with the news county officials’ salaries are set by law and they are not eligible for such bonuses.
Charlie McPherson, executive director of the McCook Economic Development Corp., introduced Amanda Engell, MEDC director of housing development to the commissioners, explaining the challenges the MEDC is facing.
They include keeping a child care program in operation despite the departure of the director of the program and ongoing challenges, including the upcoming retirement of many of the providers in the community.
Housing development will have to be done in stages, McPherson said, Engell pointing out that local contractors are “booked solid” and McCook is in competition with all other communities hoping to expand housing. Inflation and higher interest rates are also a drag on expanded housing, including a 6% increase in cost, most of that labor.
In other business, commissioners reviewed a letter from the Tax Equalization & Review Commission informing the county that Krishna Lodging LLC had filed an appeal on the valuation of its property, the Quality Inn at 901 North U.S. 83 in McCook. The county assessor’s site lists a total valuation of $1.357 million, with taxes of $24,738.42 for 2021.
Commissioners also approved two tax roll corrections and $47,997.07 in claims, mostly self-insurance for health claims and premiums, and approved the purchase of a skid loader for the Household Hazardous Waste department, from a pool of equipment purchased on state bids.
Commissioners also interviewed several candidates for the courthouse maintenance position.