Office space, broadband program discussed at supervisors meeting

A field investigator with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission may soon open shop in the Holt County Courthouse.

During the Nov. 27 Holt County Supervisors meeting, John Bauer with NGPC requested to use office space, if available.

"I need room for a desk, chair and a couple filing cabinets," Bauer said.

Supervisor Dustin Breiner asked how soon space would be needed. Bauer replied there's "no rush."

Chairman Bill Tielke said once the St. Mary's third-grade students move back to the school, an arrangement can be worked out.

Supervisors also met via Zoom with Rachel Kilcoin and Amber Ross from the Nebraska broadband Office regarding the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program.

Rachel Kilcoin said approximately $405 million dollars are earmarked to bring broadband Accessibility to underserved and unserved locations in Nebraska.

Currently 59% of locations in Holt County have access to broadband internet.

That leaves 1,031 locations designated as underserved and 1,735 as unserved.

Kilcoin said fiber will be the first priority, followed by wireless and low-earth satellite connections.

Tielke asked how the county can help with the process.

"Right-of-way permitting," Kilcoin said. "There will be more permitting that you've seen in recent history."

She suggested supervisors review the process for ROW approval.

"That way, you can avoid the bottlneck next summer," she said.

In other business, supervisors:

• Approved the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Authorized a refund of $15,743.63 to the estate of Robert A. Daniels from the Inheritance Fund, due to overpayment.

• Approved a surety bond for Village of Inman clerk/treasurer, Paige Wiliams.

• Accepted a bid from Truck Center Companies for a 2026 Western Star 49X DumpPlow truck, in the amount of $253,248.00