Sarpy County elects Don Kelly chair and honors County Clerk Deb Hotelling after 50 years

Don Kelly was elected chair of the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners for calendar year 2026, the board announced Jan. 13, following a voice vote after a formal motion. The vote followed an earlier, identical nomination that made Kelly chair of the county’s Board of Equalization.

The board used the start of its Jan. 13 session to recognize County Clerk and Register of Deeds Deb Hotelling, who is retiring after five decades in county service. Chair Don Kelly described Hotelling’s tenure as “remarkable,” praising her role in modernizing records systems, creating a passport office and guiding the county through multiple administrative changes. Commissioners shared anecdotes about Hotelling’s institutional knowledge and influence on new staff.

The board read a proclamation into the record that summarized Hotelling’s career: she began work in the motor vehicles division in 1976, was appointed county clerk in 1988 and later elected to the office in 1990, and served through more than a dozen terms while implementing digital records, a Sarpy County records center and expanded services. The proclamation was approved by the board and presented to Hotelling, who thanked the commissioners.

The board also announced committee and interagency assignments for the year, naming representatives to boards including the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, Eastern Nebraska Human Services Agency and various county committees.