Holt County leaders approve courthouse projects

The Holt County board of supervisors approved more than $60,000 in courthouse maintenance projects when they met there May 29.

On a motion by supervisor Bob Snyder, the leaders unanimously approved a proposal from Beckenhauer Construction for several maintenance projects at the courthouse. The proposal included replacement of a metal door and frame for $21,165; cleaning and painting 26 window frames for $22,825; and clean and paint the metal stairs for $19,085.

Steve and Janene Peterson addressed the board regarding ongoing drainage issues northwest of O’Neill. No action was taken.

A motion by supervisor Steve Boshart to reopen the courthouse, annex and road office to the public, effective June 8, was given unanimous approval. Access had been limited since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jared Reimers addressed the supervisors via phone conference from Congressman Adrian Smith’s Grand Island office. He presented information and heard concerns from the leaders.

Two bids were received for a micro-surfacing project southeast of O’Neill. The low bid of $165,905.72 submitted by Sta-Bilt Construction of Harlan, Iowa, was approved. Monarch Oil of Omaha submitted a $207,179.27 bid.

A bid was accepted from Osborne Construction, in the amount of $35,000 for box culvert repair. A bid was also received from North Construction.

A $43,605 culvert bore proposal submitted by Horizontal Boring & Tunneling was accepted.

A $5,475 change order from 10 Point Construction was approved, for a project on 494 Avenue.

While convened as a board of equalization, the leaders approved motor vehicle tax exemption applications: Building Blocks for Community Enrichment, 2014 Chrysler; Atkinson Good Samaritan Society, 2019 Braun handicap van, 1993 Ford Club Wagon; West Holt Memorial Hospital, 2011 R&W utility trailer; Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital, 2004 Buick Park Avenue, two 2017 Braun handicap vans, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica.

Tax list corrections submitted by assessor Tim Wallinger were also approved.

In other business, the county leaders:

~ Set bid opening for a new service truck at 11 a.m., June 30;

~Heard job descriptions have been drafted for the road department and will be reviewed by the Personnel Committee;

~ Heard department update from economic development director Darby Paxton; and

~Discussed use of county vehicles.