On the agenda: Clay County Minutes — data center (Jul 14)

COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING MINUTES
The Clay County Board of Supervisors met at the Courthouse, Clay Center, Nebraska
on July 14, 2026 at 9:00 A.M., as per public notice given in the Clay County News on
July 8, 2026 a copy of the proof of publication being on file in the County Clerk’s Office.
Availability of the agenda was communicated in advance notice of the meeting. All the
proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the
attendance of the public.
All present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman L. Wayne Johnson stated that the open meetings act was posted on the West
wall and presided with roll call showing the following present: Scott Bitterman, Eric
Samuelson, Glen Becker, James Pavelka, Jesse Mohnike, Richard Shaw and L. Wayne
Johnson.
There was no public input.
Trent Loos provided extensive information to the Board with regard to the sudden and
growing number of data center permits and builds across the United States. The Clay
County Board of Supervisors is being vigilant in monitoring this trend and educating
themselves on all the impacts these could impose on Clay County residents. Some of
the main concerns are the substantial use of our resources such as electricity and
water. And that for the size of data centers that are being built, that the return in jobs
or goods produced is overwhelmingly lacking. That the taxpayers of Clay County could
see little to no tax contribution from a data center. Chairman Johnson has followed
several counties in Nebraska that are already preparing themselves with Moratoriums
and has presented a draft Moratorium to the County Attorney for Clay County to
consider. The County Board will continue to monitor the impact of data centers and
discuss a possible Moratorium at a future next meeting. Watch for a more in-depth
article in the Clay County News!
Janell Anderson Ehrke, candidate for District 38, introduced herself as a candidate for
the 2026 General Election to the Board. Chairman Johnson opened discussion with
Janell to express additional concerns to her not only on the data centers but more on
the loss of tax dollars to Clay County residents due to the unique nature of the existence
of the Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) which comprises of about 35,000 acres
and then the additional approximate 8,800 acres which are held by Wetland America
Trust, Ducks Unlimited, US Fish and Wildlife, etc. The Board of Supervisors expressed
how these acres affect our taxpayers and continue to voice their concerns with parcels
going to these entitles which over time remove parcels from the tax rolls, putting more
taxes on our residents.
Jordan Ardnt, Zelle HR, was present to review the County policies on Sick Leave and
Vacation Leave and balances being carried by employees. The Board asked for a
Memo to be prepared and sent to all Department Heads.
Motion by Pavelka and seconded by Shaw to recess this meeting at 10:30 a.m. to enter
into the Board of Equalization Meeting. Upon roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye:
Bitterman, Samuelson, Becker, Pavelka, Mohnike, Shaw and Johnson; Nay: None.
Motion carried.
Motion by Shaw and seconded by Pavelka to resume this meeting at 1:20 p.m. Upon
roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye: Bitterman, Samuelson, Becker, Pavelka,
Mohnike, Shaw and Johnson; Nay: None. Motion carried.
The Fee Reports were presented to the Board. Motion by Becker and seconded by
Bitterman to approve the fee reports for the following county officials for the month of
June 2026: County Clerk $13,198.16; County Court $7,492.81; Clerk of District Court
$57,035.49; Sheriff’s fees $4,804.57; County Health Department $2,585.00 and County
Treasurer receipts numbered 26060001 through 26060055 in the amount of
$537,130.54. Upon roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye: Bitterman, Samuelson,
Becker, Pavelka, Mohnike, Shaw and Johnson; Nay: None. Motion carried.

Emergency Manager, Haley Malone, provided ahead of the meeting the Nebraska
Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) 2025 Sub-Recipient Agreement. The total
award amount for Clay County for the 2025 Emergency Management Performance
Grant for the Budget Period July 1, 2025 through June 20, 2026 is $47,834.98. The
awarded funds will be deposited with the Clay County Treasurer. Motion by Becker
and seconded by Pavelka to authorize the Chairman to sign the Sub-Recipient
Agreement and Direct Deposit Form for the above awarded funds. Upon roll call, the
vote was as follows: Aye: Bitterman, Samuelson, Becker, Pavelka, Mohnike, Shaw and
Johnson; Nay: None. Motion carried.
Motion by Shaw and seconded by Samuelson to adjourn this meeting at 12:31 p.m.
Upon roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye: Bitterman, Samuelson, Becker, Pavelka,
Mohnike, Shaw and Johnson; Nay: None. Motion carried.
Cassie Aksamit, County Clerk

L. Wayne Johnson, Chairman