By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Kent Weems and Chris Bruns on our Kubota Podcast
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners used January to reorganize leadership roles, reassign committee responsibilities, and set the groundwork for a fiscally cautious year ahead, according to Board Chair Kent Weems and Vice Chair Chris Bruns.
Weems said the board’s annual January reorganization included electing leadership, reassigning committee seats, and reappointing department heads who report directly to the county board.
Weems explained that committee changes were intentional, aimed at cross-training commissioners and preparing for expected board transitions in coming years. Commissioner Hughley has indicated this may be his final term, prompting the board to bring newer members into long-standing committee roles, including Region 2, the local drug and rehabilitation facility, and law enforcement labor negotiations.
“If you don’t serve on those committees, you don’t really know what’s going on,” Weems said, noting that committee work makes up much of the board’s day-to-day responsibilities.
County Board Salary Resolution
One of January’s most discussed actions was the board’s salary resolution, required by state statute every four years. Weems emphasized that the resolution does not impact current commissioners but instead sets compensation levels for officials who will serve beginning in January 2027.
The board voted to hold county board salaries flat, approving no cost-of-living increases for the next four-year cycle.
“These are tax dollars,” Weems said. “We’re trying to set a good example and be very frugal with limited funds.”
The delayed implementation of salary resolutions is designed to prevent officials from voting themselves immediate raises and to provide transparency for voters ahead of elections.
Department Head Reappointments
Vice Chair Chris Bruns said the board unanimously reappointed all four department heads who report directly to the county board:
- Jason Schultz, Highway Superintendent
- Tom Gann, Veterans Service Officer
- Todd Herndon, Noxious Weed Superintendent
- Brandon Myers, Emergency Management Director
Bruns said each department has demonstrated strong fiscal responsibility while managing limited resources.
“They do a lot with a little,” Bruns said. “The board has full confidence in them moving forward.”
Infrastructure and Road Planning
January also marked preparation for the county’s annual “one and six” road plan, which outlines short-term and long-term infrastructure priorities. Lincoln County maintains more than 1,600 miles of county roads across 72 townships, making it one of Nebraska’s largest counties by land area.
Weems said the plan helps prioritize projects when funding is limited, noting that the county may have only a fraction of the dollars needed to address all infrastructure needs in a given year.
Public Safety and Security
Commissioners also discussed courthouse and jail security, though details remain limited for safety reasons. Bruns said the county regularly evaluates both physical security and cybersecurity risks, including attempted cyber intrusions.
The board recently worked with Homeland Security specialists to stress-test systems and identify vulnerabilities, developing a strategic plan to address security concerns while remaining fiscally responsible.
Sheriff’s Office Equipment and Budget Oversight
The board approved vehicle purchases for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office that were already included in the budget. Bruns said Sheriff Kramer has implemented a long-term vehicle replacement plan to maximize value for taxpayers, recently shifting from pickup trucks to SUVs due to rising vehicle costs.
Weems added that department heads are regularly challenged to justify expenditures, noting the board closely scrutinizes major purchases such as motor graders and heavy equipment.
Property Taxes and Budget Constraints
Commissioners emphasized that property tax is the county’s primary revenue source, unlike cities that can rely on sales tax. Weems said the board remains sensitive to the financial pressures facing both agricultural producers and homeowners.
“We’re all paying property tax,” Weems said. “We know how tight things are.”
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Rewrite
Looking ahead, the board is nearing completion of a multi-year comprehensive plan and zoning regulation rewrite, last updated in 2012.
Public hearings are scheduled for:
- February 10 at 5:30 p.m. with the Planning and Zoning Commission at North Platte City Hall
- March 16 at 10 a.m. in the district courtroom
Draft documents are available on the county website under the Planning and Zoning tab. Weems said the plan will guide growth decisions for the next decade and is designed to be legally defensible if challenged.