Banner County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

Banner County Board of Commissioner Proceedings

                The Banner County Board of Commissioners met in regular session, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 8:45 A.M. in the courtroom of the Banner County Courthouse.  Notice of the meeting was given by publication in the Western Nebraska Observer. A copy of the proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk.  Notices were also posted in the Harrisburg, Nebraska Post Office; the Banner County Public School; the office of the County Clerk; and the front window of the Banner County courthouse.

                The agenda of the meeting is kept current and is available during the regular business hours in the office of the County Clerk.  A copy of the agenda was sent to the Commissioners on Monday, February 2, 2026. 

                Chairperson Darnall called the meeting to order at 8:45 A.M. Deputy County Clerk Ashley Morris took roll call showing: Don Lease, present; Robin Darnall, present; Laif Anderson, present. Chairperson Darnall stated the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is posted by the back door of the courtroom. 

                Lease led prayer.

                The Pledge of Allegiance was said. 

                The agenda was examined. Lease moved to approve the agenda. Anderson seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Lease, yes; Darnall, yes; Anderson, yes. Motion carried. 

                The minutes of January 20, 2026, meeting were examined. Anderson moved to approve January 20, 2026, minutes. Lease seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Lease, yes; Darnall, yes; Anderson, yes. Motion carried. 

Correspondence:

• County Reorganization Assignments – Region 1 Office of Human Development – Discussion was had.

Public Comment:

• None

Reports:

• Commissioner Reports
  1. Don Lease – Missed the PPHD meeting,
  2. Robin Darnall – There was no meeting for Region 22 because there was no quorum. Darnall is working on adding resolutions to the website and has not spoken with J13 on the budget.
  3. Laif Anderson – Missed his meetings in January because the meetings were the same day as the county’s reorganization meeting. Anderson will also miss February meetings. 

Items of Business Before the Board:

• KCTS Board Information – Colleen Shoemaker – Discussion was had on getting more information to residents in Banner County, new options for the transit, and getting help if needed.
• Credit Card Authorization and set guidelines for credit card use – Commissioners – Discussion was had on adding a new fund to include meals for training and jury duty. Lease moved to adopt the changes to the employee handbook submitted by the Handbook Committee and include number nine, the Banner County credit card policy, food for training and jury duty. Anderson seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Lease, yes; Darnall, yes; Anderson, yes. Motion carried.
• Employee Handbook Changes – Handbook Committee – Kacy Krakow sent email.  The Board stated that they were good with the changes and the motion from the last item of business was indicated the approval.
• Banner County Planning Commission and Grievance Committee – Commissioners – Discussion was had on what qualifications were for the Grievance Committee and finding people that would like to be on the committees. Tabled until February 17, 2026.
• Discussion on new patrol vehicles – Zane Hopkins – Discussion was had on the cost of leasing two vehicles verse purchase two vehicles. To lease a fully upfit patrol vehicle it would cost $16,500.00 per vehicle per year for five years. To purchase a new patrol vehicle, it would cost $52,000.00 per vehicle plus the upfit and have a 4.3% interest. The Board would like to look at the budget before making any decisions. Tabled until February 17, 2026.
• Board approval of re-hire (Jason Loomis) – Jay Dove – Discussion was had. Anderson moved to approve the rehire of Jason Loomis.  Darnall seconded the motion.  Discussion was had. Roll call vote: Lease, yes; Darnall, yes; Anderson, yes. Motion carried. 

Claims:

General: Aflac - $365.19 – Employee Benefits; Aflac Dental - $764.88 – Dental; Banner Capital Bank - $3,931.70 – HAS; Hometown - $138.64 – Copier Lease; Kimball County Treasurer - $1,973.61 – Extension Office; MIPS - $234.94 – W2’s, Jury List, Checks; NE Assoc. of Clerks - $100.00 – Dues; NE Child Support - $193.99 – Child Support; North Platte NRD - $38.32 – Water; Pack Rat - $45.00 – Trash; Panhandle Weed Management Area - $500.00 – Cash Match Projects; Scottsbluff Detention Center - $450.00 – Prisoner Board; Scottsbluff County Treasurer - $50.00 – Postage; VSP - $268.28 – Vision; Triad - $11,281.49 – Employee Insurance; Total - $20,336.04

Sheriff: NE Public Health Environmental Lab - $105.00 – Blood Alcohol Tests; North American Rescue - $1,013.20 – Safety Equipment; Total - $ 1,118.20

Road: Aflac - $594.80 – Employee Benefits; Banner Capital Bank - $1,350.02 – HAS; Colonial Life - $29.48 – Dental; First Concord - $295.00 – HRA; VSP - $41.46 – Vision; Triad - $3,318.67 – Employee Benefits; CAT Financial - $93,631.24 – Motorgrader Payment & Mini Ex; J&A Traffic Products - $1,257.50 – Sign Post and Tools; Logoz LLC - $735.00 – Safety Coats; NMC Cat - $890.44 – Parts and Supplies; North Platte NRD - $31.42 – Water; Westco - $404.31 – Repair Parts; Total - $102,579.34

                Lease moved to pay the claims as presented. Anderson seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Lease, yes; Darnall, yes; Anderson, yes. Motion carried. 

                Chairperson Darnall adjourned the meeting at 9:48 A.M.

                The next meeting will be held on February 17, 2026, at 8:45 A.M. or at the call of the clerk. An agenda for the matters to be considered at such date and time is kept continually and is available for public inspection during the normal business hours at Banner County in the courthouse of Harrisburg, Nebraska. 

Banner County Board of Commissioners

Robin Darnall, Chairperson

Don Lease II, Vice Chairperson

Laif Anderson, Member

Attest: _____________________________________

                Katie West, Banner County Clerk