Seward County commissioners approve claims, funding actions and appointments; executive session held for personnel

The Seward County Board of Commissioners addressed routine county business March 24, approving claims, consent items, funding matches and appointments, and briefly entering executive session for personnel matters.

The board approved claims through March 13, 2026 (recorded vendor list) and approved a consent agenda that included sheriff fee and mileage reports, two utility permits to bore electrical lines for agricultural pivots, and a surplus property disposal for zoning. Chairperson Misty Ahmic and other commissioners recorded affirmative votes on these motions.

Commissioner Zabrocki led discussion on Region 5 Systems’ FY 2026–2027 statutory county match of $35,154; the board approved that match unanimously. Zabrocki moved to approve an additional $5,472 in funding beyond the statutory match; that motion failed, with Zabrocki the sole yes vote and four commissioners opposed.

The board authorized the chair to sign the Federal Transit Administration Title VI Program for Public Transit and approved a letter of support to Senator Fischer seeking Congressionally Directed Spending for a 420th Road paving project. Commissioners also approved a separate letter of support for Congressionally Directed Spending to assist the Village of Staplehurst with a water treatment facility and well; the village previously secured funding for a water tower but is seeking further infrastructure funds.

Human Resources Director Roxanne Knutson presented a proposed hiring process for the Aging Services Program Manager, noting the current manager’s last day is June 2, 2026 and that a short overlap for on-the-job training is possible. The proposed hiring committee will include Commissioner Raegan Hain (liaison to Aging Services), Commissioner Darrell Zabrocki, the current Aging Services Manager, the HR Director and a representative from Aging Partners.

Commissioner Hain presented an application for Kim Payne to serve as the Utica representative on the Aging Services Board; the board appointed Payne to serve January 2026 through December 2027 (motion passed 5–0).

The board entered executive session at 9:32 a.m. to receive legal advice and discuss personnel; the session concluded at 10:07 a.m. The chair stated the executive session concerned personnel and that no public decisions were made during the closed session.

Before adjourning at 10:38 a.m., commissioners reviewed items scheduled for upcoming meetings, including an American Rescue Plan Act matter related to the City of Seward water tower, public defender funding, abandoned cemetery mowing bids, veteran recognition, the county audit report and road department equipment and staffing items.