Gage County committees report on courthouse storage, safety training and road funding prospects

County committee members used the meeting to surface several operational items and near-term plans for services and facilities.

Building and grounds committee member Dave said the courthouse has extensive stored documents and proposed county-funded scanning to reduce physical storage needs, noting that a fire-suppression system for a temperature-controlled storage area would be costly. "We do have quite a bit of things sitting around that we could kinda clean up," he said, adding that staff would get cost proposals for scanning and for a new auto-scrubber to maintain courthouse floors.

Dave also reported the county switched restroom suppliers to EECS and described preliminary plans from the Winter Lights committee to mark the county's 250th anniversary with patriotic lighting on the courthouse and displays on streetlight poles. Separately, the Gage County Museum updated a display to a Persian college exhibit.

On emergency management and safety, Lisa said the county safety committee (which includes department heads) will meet to review claims with NERMA and to coordinate department efforts to mitigate risk. She announced storm-spotter training set for Feb. 26 at the National Historical Park at 6:30 a.m., open to all ages and often attended by local scout groups.

The roads report covered routine shop and blading work and a planned road tour to prioritize projects. The roads representative said they had contacted Senator Fisher's office and that requested funding had been advanced in the legislative process, expressing hope for positive news soon for Hickory Road, the Adams Bypass and the Claytonia Fire Hall.

Board members asked for additional cost estimates and for proposals to be brought back to the board in subsequent meetings.

Next steps: staff will obtain cost proposals for scanning, fire suppression, and cleaning equipment; the safety committee will proceed with scheduled meetings; and roads staff will continue outreach to secure funding and will report back.