McPherson County commissioners approve vehicle purchase, appointments and road-plan actions at July 8 meeting

The McPherson County Board of Commissioners approved a series of routine and operational actions at its July 8, 2026 meeting, including the purchase of a used pickup for county road work, an appointment to a regional health board, approval of the county's claims ledger, declaration of surplus property, and adoption of the county road plan.

Vehicle purchase and financing: Commissioner Brett Nason moved to purchase a 2016 Ford F350 Crew Cab from Joe's Motor Company in Hazard, Nebraska, for $34,000 and to adopt RESOLUTION #2026-12 authorizing the purchase from the McPherson County Inheritance Fund with repayment by the Road Fund amortized over four years; Commissioner Jeff Arensdorf seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The resolution name and repayment term were recorded in the meeting minutes.

Appointments and claims: Commissioner Nason moved to appoint Sheriff Lawrence Stump as McPherson County’s representative to the West Central District Health Department Board; Commissioner Arensdorf seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Arensdorf moved to approve the presented claims (detailed in the minutes), and Commissioner Nason seconded; that motion also passed unanimously.

Roads and property: Road workers Ed Black and Kasey Dailey reported on road repairs and requested work on West Kemp Road. Commissioner Jeff Arensdorf moved to approve the West Kemp Road project contingent upon receipt of signed easements from affected landowners; Commissioner John E. Bryant seconded. The motion passed 2–1, with Commissioner Brett Nason recorded as opposing; the project will be added to the County Road Plan. Commissioner Nason later moved to declare a 1986 Chevy pickup surplus property; Commissioner Arensdorf seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Arensdorf moved to approve the Road Plan as presented by Chairman Bryant; Commissioner Nason seconded and that motion passed unanimously.

Other business: The Safety Committee reported on safe driving in dusty conditions. The Treasurer informed the board of a new DMV system the state will implement in January 2027. The board reviewed and signed Quarterly Fee Reports from the Clerk and Sheriff. The commissioners discussed historical pictures stored in a county storage container and scheduled further discussion for the August meeting. The board also asked the Treasurer to apply for a Mid Nebraska Community Foundation Betterment Grant to assist with Cemetery Road renovations discussed earlier in the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM. The board will meet again at 9:00 AM on August 12, 2026, with a budget workshop at 1:00 PM; both meetings will be held at the McPherson County Courthouse and are open to the public.