Commissioners learn about NACO salary study

Antelope County officials discovered how a salary study, comparing county employee wages, could be used when they met in regular session, Tuesday, June 4, in Neligh.

Luke Bonkiewicz, research program analyst for the Nebraska Association of County Officials, told commissioners the study came about after several counties had reached out about the ability to compare wages with like-sized counterparts.

Commissioner Casey Dittrich asked if the study is available to the public.

According to Bonkiewicz, it's open to counties that submitted information to Zelle.

Chairman Charlie Henery asked if Antelope County is participating in the survey array.

The NACO rep said he was unsure.

"We sent it to everyone in December," he said.

Survey information can be amended.

Henery asked if there is a cost to participate. Bonkiewicz indicated there is no charge.

"If there's no cost, I think we need to do it," Henery said.

County clerk Lisa Payne said she remembered receiving an email, but the premise for the study wasn't explained well.

"I'll work on it," she said.

In other business, commissioners:

• Approved an interfund transfer of $10,000, from the miscellaneous general to weed general account. According to Payne, "The weed district's budget is running low."

• Gave the nod to fix heating and cooling units in the Department of Health and Human Services office, as well as the jury room. Northeast Nebraska Heating and Cooling will perform the work.

• Listened to annual reports from Antelope County library directors. Payne said the last significant funding increase was given two years ago.

"The budget process is just starting," Payne said.

• Examined sidewalks on the west and north sides of the building. A bid notice to remove and replace sidewalks, as needed, will be published.

• Set a public hearing date for possible road closure on 842 Road. The hearing will be July 2 at 9:15 a.m.