The Saline County Board of Commissioners conducted its regular meeting April 1, addressing a variety of topics including potential improvements to the county jail facility, recognizing Child Abuse Awareness Month and honoring a local veteran.
Shelby Pedersen, Executive Director of Southeast Nebraska CASA, shared updates on advocacy services for abused and neglected children. CASA will host a “Coffee on CASA” event on April 10 at Ambition Coffee in Wilber to connect with the community and raise awareness.
Currently, there are 11 children in Saline County in need of court-appointed special advocates. In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month, commissioners approved illuminating the courthouse in blue throughout April.
A major item on the agenda was the proposed renovation of the old county jail. The board reviewed preliminary designs from Prochaska & Associates of Omaha to convert the space into flexible office areas.
Although the probation office is the initial tenant under consideration, the design could accommodate other county departments or leased office space. The commissioners discussed financing options, noting that the facility’s aging windows and plumbing require repairs regardless of remodeling plans.
Estimated costs are around $1.5 million, with potential savings due to the building’s historic preservation status. Prochaska & Associates was approved to oversee the project and begin collecting official bids.
The board also participated in a teleconference with architect Jerry Berggren about a new pilot program aimed at improving maintenance coordination across Nebraska counties. Dan Johnson, Saline County Facility Manager, is one of eight participants in the initiative, which launches in April and will involve monthly Zoom meetings to share maintenance strategies and resources among courthouse facility managers.
Additionally, commissioners approved a roads department request to establish a $3,000 petty cash fund account at First State Bank. Recommended by the state auditor, the petty cash checking account will streamline payments for special fuels by allowing ACH transfers instead of credit cards, helping the county avoid processing fees. The fund will be incorporated into the department’s annual budget.
Veterans Services Officer Scott Davis named Lee Miller as Saline County’s Veteran of the Month. Miller served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1979, with assignments around the world including Africa, Japan and Vietnam.
