SIDNEY -- The Cheyenne County Commissioners Monday opened one bid for an HVAC removal and replacement job.

The project is for the courthouse HVAC system, including the Cheyenne County Jail.

Bids were scheduled to be opened in the Monday, Dec. 19, meeting of the Cheyenne County commissioners. 

Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Tm Payne said while the system is working, there are parts that are obsolete.

"The system is working, but the electronics ... they don't make them like they used to," Payne said.

Cheyenne County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh said one bid was submitted; Johnson Controls submitted a bid of almost $767,000. Payne said the project can be paid through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received by the county. Payne said the project should be planned before the county has to have it done.

"We're living on borrowed time," he said.

The bid was given to Payne for review. The commissioners tabled action until the next meeting. 

Cheyenne County Sheriff's Department Deputy Ron Kissler was recognized during the Dec. 19 meeting. Kissler was recognized for his role in improving efficiency in the courts and jails, and saving costs to the county.

Kissler credited the commissioners for achievements in the county offices. He said the Cheyenne County court system has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.

"That's because you guys (commissioners Phil Sanders, Darrel Johnson and Randy Miler) like your employees come to you with ideas. We have crazy ideas, we put in place and do great," he said.

He said often the employees come up with ideas that free up employee time and increases efficiency within the county.

"I just think we've done amazing things," he said. "It's amazing what we can get done when no one cares who gets the credit."

Ron takes an active approach to the security of the law enforcement staff as well as that of all County employees and residents of Cheyenne County. Emergency preparedness is a priority with him. He regularly uses the loss prevention services available to him. Ron is passionate about making Cheyenne County a safe place to work and visit. He was instrumental in establishing the virtual Court that is being used today. Cheyenne County is being used as a model throughout the State.

The commissioners also convened as the Board of Equalization to meet with Cheyenne County Assessor Melody Keller regarding re-evaluation of Homestead Exemption for 2019 for Allan Bauer. Keller said the Nebraska Property Assessment Division corrected the Homestead Exemption to 66 percent, then to 90 percent. 

Keller told the commissioners as of Dec. 5, 2022, the county no longer receives a copy of the letter from the State on Homestead valuations.  She said counties receive a spreadsheet defining a property's valuation, but not an explanation of the valuation. 

"Ruth Sorensen gives us a lot of problems," Keller said.

Cheyenne County Treasurer Shelley Bowlin said when the State does not provide enough information to the county offices, "we become the bad guy."

Keller was urged to contact Sen. Steve Erdman regarding the state property assessment division.

The commissioners also reviewed and approved an application for a Juvenile Services Grant. The program works with Panhandle Public Health Department to provide services to local schools. Presently, only Sidney Public Schools is participating in the program.  Issues local school districts are facing include an increase in chronic absenteeism and more trauma issues since 2020.

"I just want them (students) to feel better about themselves and going to school," said Georgia Rogers, Youth Services.