On the agenda: Beatrice Minutes — data center (Aug 5)

Board of Supervisors Meeting – August 5, 2026

1

The Gage County Board of Supervisors met on August 5, 2026, at 8:47 a.m. as per public notice
given on the county website and in the Beatrice Daily Sun on July 23, 2026, copy of the proof of
publication being on file in the County Clerk’s Office. The agenda for all meetings is kept
continually current and is available for public inspection at the County Clerk’s Office during
normal business hours and was communicated in the advance notice of the meeting. The Board of
Supervisors has the right to modify the agenda to include items of an emergency nature only, at
such public meeting. All of the proceedings shown hereafter were taken while in the convened
meeting which was open to the attendance of the public.
Supervisors Rex Adams, Rick Clabaugh, Emily Haxby, Erich Tiemann, Gary Lytle, Eddie Dorn,
and Terry Jurgens present.
Let the record show that all proceedings are electronically recorded.
Pledge of Allegiance recited.
Chairman Tiemann announced that a complete copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted at the
back of the Board of Supervisors Room.
Consent Agenda included the following items: 1. General Agenda; 2. Minutes from previous
meeting and committee meetings; 3. claims audit in the amount of $1,116,232.50, which does not
include claim #2608000060 to Johnny’s Welding in the amount of $1,128.98, to be voted on
separately; 4. approve correspondence received and place on file; 5. Approve Utility Permit
#1352 to Northern Natural Gas, Northern will be closing Juniper Road, East of SW 89th Road,
this section of road will be used for a by-pass and staging area. This section of road will be closed
for approximately 30 days. Located North of Section 23, T-4-N, R-5-E, Blakely Twp.; 6.
Approve District Court Summary Fee Report & Register of Deeds Fee Report for the month of
July 2026.
General Fund
Courthouse Employees
911 Custom
All Copy Products
Ashley Riggle
Black Hills Energy Det 8852
Black Hills Energy Ext 5089
Black Hills Energy Shf 1674
Cardinal Assessment Group
Charter Comm. Spectrum 2019
Cidnet
City of Beatrice
Correctional Risk Svcs.
Critical Hire
Dept. of Corr. Svcs.
Eakes Offc. Solutions
Fankhauser, Nelsen et al
Gage Co. Court
Gage Co. Register of Deeds
Garrison Law Firm
Hometown Leasing
Jefferson Co. Shf.
Joyce Kassing
Ken’s Pest Control
Kraviec Maurstad Law
Kristine Riekenberg
Lammel Plumbing
Murray Law
NASASP
NE Health & Human Svcs.
NE Window Coverings
Nelson, Clark & Timan
Nicole Stoner
Norris Public Power
Philippi Electric
Pinpoint Comm.
Quadient Finance
Quill Ext
Quill Co Ct

Description
Gross pay
Shf uniforms
EM copier lease
Transcript
Utilities
Utilities
Utilities
BOE referee
Jail cable TV
Data
Prob offc lease
Inmate medical
Pre-empl exams
Boarding inmates
Offc supplies
Atty fees
Court costs
Filing
Atty fees
Prob. suppl., copiers
Court costs
Prior svc retirement
Trtmnt
Child Suppt Enf Atty
Ct reporting
Repairs
Atty fees
Dues
St. Inst.
Blinds
Public Defender
Mlg
Twr utilities
Replace light
Internet svc
Shipping
Offc supplies
Offc supplies

Amount Allowed
178,049.15
100.00
169.40
91.30
197.34
62.69
51.26
9650.00
249.00
999.90
20,354.22
405.00
25.00
2529.80
1899.42
3278.00
1594.00
34.00
2963.00
458.56
19.00
20.00
125.00
3076.92
2255.00
320.95
2858.50
39.00
360.00
2900.00
6346.15
118.56
42.54
208.00
550.34
184.77
134.83
420.59

Board of Supervisors Meeting – August 5, 2026

2

Quill Prob
Reagan Law Offc.
Sandra Eltiste
Smith Schafer Davis, LLC
Spectrum (Charter)
Summit Food Svc.
T-Mobile USA
TK Elevator Corp.
TreviPay
Tri County Credit Bulletin
UNITI
Verizon Wireless EMS 8923-1
Verizon Wireless GCSO
Verizon Wireless EMS 6384-1
Verizon Wireless Prob 339-1

Offc supplies
Atty fees
Prior svc retirement
Atty fees
EM cable TV
Jail meal svc.
Shf expns
Elevator maint.
Prob supplies
Subscr.
Prob phones
EM cell phones, hot spots
Cell phones, 4G cards
Cell phones
Cell phones

Road Fund
Highway Department Employees
Beatrice Concrete Ready Mix
Beatrice Concrete Sand & Gravel
Black Hills Energy Hwy 6863
Bomgaars
Cather & Sons Const.
Central States Hydraulic Svcs.
Eakes Office Solutions
Johnny’s Welding
Newman Signs
Norris Public Power
Pavers, Inc.
Rock On, Inc.
Rose Equipment, LLC

Gross pay
Concrete
Rock & gravel
Utilities
Supplies
Asphalt
Parts
Offc supplies
Parts, labor
Sign posts
Utilities
Asphalt
Hauling material
Parts

Road & Bridge Sinking Fund
Gus Construction Co., Inc.
Vogt Enterprises, LLC

STWD-CBMP(9), Adams West brdg match 279,450.01
C-34(1095) Clat SW, (1103) Filley N culverts 85,524.96

Visitor’s Promotion Fund
Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce Lodging tax
Insurance Fund
Gage County Health Insurance
Lucent Health Solutions

Employee hlth ins claims paid
Ins premiums, admin fees

Diversion Program Fund
Diversion Employees

Gross pay

Federal Grant Fund – Transportation Development
Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig
Contract lgl svcs
Community Economic Development Fund
NGAGE
Econ dev

154.00
1800.00
12.00
906.25
11.47
6468.24
50.00
291.28
128.00
172.25
55.21
223.93
930.50
325.15
312.82
44,974.85
490.00
33,701.96
78.01
188.21
8807.08
199.74
270.47
1128.98
1607.75
650.43
8683.20
3737.61
314.54

4331.34
136,091.63
42,084.67
1,979.79
3767.88
33,677.55

General Fund
Ameritas
Security First Bank
Gage County Clerk – Health Plan

County share of Employees Retirement
12,816.33
Co. share of Empl. Soc. Sec. & Medicare
12,736.08
Co. share of Empl. health ins. – Gen & Road 138,489.48

Road Fund
Ameritas
Security First Bank

County share of Employees Retirement
Co. share of Empl. Soc. Sec. & Medicare

3,035.82
3,259.40

Diversion Program Fund
Ameritas
Security First Bank

County share of Employees Retirement
Co. share of Empl. Soc. Sec. & Medicare

99.97
151.45

Motion made by Adams, seconded by Lytle to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 7-0.

Board of Supervisors Meeting – August 5, 2026

3

Motion by Dorn, seconded by Lytle to approve claim #2608000060 to Johnny’s Welding Inc. in
the amount of $1,128.98, bringing the total amount of claims paid through August 5, 2026 to
$1,117,361.48. Motion carried 6-0-1 with Jurgens abstaining due to conflict of interest.
Speaking under public comments were Ashley Mason, Elizabeth Shotkoski-Jurgens, Bryce
Nielsen, Sean Fintel, Diane Mulder, Jeff Buechler, Eldon Ideus, Lisa Dorn, Don Petersen, Kyle
Ruse, spoke againsand Tom Ulrick, regarding wanting a public hearing on whether to allow data
centers in the county, how it would affect economic development, and if a moratorium is needed
on permit applications.
Veteran’s Service Officer Keil Mick introduced the Veteran’s Honor Award recipient, Danny
DeLong, to the Board. Danny served in the Army from July 28, 1969 to July 20m 1971 under the
MOS 11F40 Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist with the 2nd Battalion 502nd Infantry
Division. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on April 28, 1970. Danny was also a part of
the 101st Airborne Division and received the Brave Eagle Coin and many other awards including
the Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star with 1 Oakleaf Cluster, combat Infantry Badge, Army
Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, Air Medal, M16 Expert Marksman & M14
Sharpshooter. Danny serves on many volunteer committees to support veterans. He is an avid
runner and encourages others on mastering their fitness goals. Danny spoke about his time and
also presented several individuals with gifts.
Committee reports were given by Dave Jones on Bldg. & Grounds; Tiemann on Equalization;
Jurgens on Finance/Insurance; Keil Mick on Veteran’s Service Committee; Tiemann on Human
Resources/Employee Relations; Shf Gustafson & Lisa Wiegand on Law Enforcement/Emergency
Management; and Haxby on Road & Bridge. Topics included Vets Offc state training; veteran
deaths in the county; Gage County Fair; and disaster declarations.
Break at 9:43 a.m. Back in session at 9:52 a.m. with all members previously listed present.
RESOLUTION
SIGNING OF THE COUNTY ANNUAL CERTIFICATION
OF PROGRAM COMPLIANCE
2026
Resolution No. 26-14
Whereas: State of Nebraska Statutes, sections 39-2115, 39-2119, 39-2120,
39-2121, and 39-2510(2), requires an annual certification of program compliance
to the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards; and,
Whereas: State of Nebraska Statute, section 39-2120 also requires that the annual
certification of program compliance by each county shall be signed by the County
Board Chairperson and shall include the resolution of the governing body of the
county authorizing the signing of the certification.
Be it resolved that the County Board Chairperson of Gage County is hereby authorized to sign the County Annual Certification of Program Compliance.
Adopted this 5th day of August, 2026, at Beatrice, Nebraska.
County Board Members
/s/ Emily M. Haxby
/s/ Gary Lytle
/s/ Eddie Dorn
/s/ Erich Tiemann

/s/ Terry Jurgens
/s/ Rick Clabaugh
/s/ Rex Adams
County Board Member Jurgens moved the adoption of
said resolution. Member Dorn seconded the motion.
Roll Call: 7 Yes 0 No 0 Abstained 0 Absent
Resolution adopted, signed, and billed as adopted.

Attest:
/s/ Dawn Hill
Signature of Clerk
Motion by Jurgens, seconded by Dorn to approve adopting Resolution #26-14 authorizing the
signing of the County Annual Certification of Program Compliance 2026. Motion carried 7-0.

Board of Supervisors Meeting – August 5, 2026

4

Motion by Jurgens, seconded by Dorn to approve the County Annual Certification of Program
Compliance to the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards 2026. Motion
carried 7-0.
Discussion on proposed changes to Livestock Regulations as recommended by the Planning &
Zoning Commission. P&Z Administrator Lisa Wiegand walked the board through the suggested
changes based on Planning & Zoning recommendations. The Board went back through them to
discuss any changes they might want to make. County Attorney Amanda Fanning gave an
interpretation on the statute pertaining to holding a public hearing, saying that it is not required,
but the Board could hold one if they wish.
Motion by Jurgens, seconded by Adams to approve removing paragraph #7. Motion carried 6-1
with Haxby voting nay.
Adams wanted to revisit the tree plan, discussion.
Motion by Adams, seconded by Haxby to approve adding tree plan for facility, paragraph 6b (7).
Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Haxby, seconded by Jurgens to approve keeping the setbacks back to the original
distances. Discussion. Motion by Adams, seconded by Lytle to amend the motion to approve
leaving Facility B at the original setback distance, and to change Facility A setback to 1/8 as P&Z
recommended in the proposed updated regs. Vote on amended motion carried 5-2 with Haxby
and Jurgens voting nay.
Motion by Haxby, seconded by Lytle to approve having a Public Hearing on Livestock
Regulation changes as has been done in the past. Motion carried 7-0. A public hearing will be
set where the proposed changes to Livestock Regulations will be presented.
Discussion on appointing Bruce Vitosh and Nick Boller as county representatives on the Gage
Development Coalition Board. This would remove Haxby, Clabaugh and Adams from the GDC
Board.
Motion by Adams, seconded by Clabaugh to approve removing Clabaugh and Haxby from the
GDC Board and replacing them with Bruce Vitosh and Nick Boller as representatives for the
entire county effective immediately, with a board member remaining on. Haxby suggested that
Rex should stay on the GDC board. Motion carried 7-0.
Discussion took place on Planning & Zoning’s recommendation for a data center permit
application moratorium. Tiemann addressed some of the comments and questions that have been
raised by the public during public comments.
Motion by Jurgens, seconded by Adams to approve placing an 8-month moratorium on data
center facility permits with the option of extending if needed. Further discussion. Jurgens called
for the question, carried 6-1 with Haxby voting nay. Vote on original motion carried 5-2 with
Clabaugh and Haxby voting nay.
Motion by Haxby, seconded by Clabaugh to approve setting public hearing to review P&Z’s
recommendation of an 18-month moratorium (as opposed to the 8-month voted on above), on
data center facility permits – date and venue to be determined. Motion carried 7-0.
Break at 12:08 p.m. Back in session at 12:21 p.m. with all members previously listed present
except Jurgens.
Motion by Dorn, seconded by Lytle to move into closed session at 12:21 p.m. for pending
litigation. Motion carried 6-0.
Haxby left during closed session.
Motion by Dorn, seconded by Lytle to come out of closed session at 12:44 p.m. Motion carried
5-0.
Chairman declared Board of Supervisors meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m. until August 19, 2026.
Board minutes can also be viewed on the Gage County website at www.gagecountyne.gov.
/s/ Dawn Hill

/s/ Erich Tiemann

Board of Supervisors Meeting – August 5, 2026

Dawn Hill
Gage County Clerk

5

Erich Tiemann, Chairman
Gage County Board of Supervisors

I, Dawn Hill, County Clerk of Gage County, do hereby certify that the above records are
true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Witness my hand and official seal this 5th day of August, 2026.
(SEAL)

/s/ Dawn Hill
Dawn Hill
Gage County Clerk