The Superior Express -

The Nuckolls County Board of Commissioners met at the county courthouse in Nelson, Tuesday because of the Presidents’ Day holiday Monday. All three commissioners were present.

Carrie Miller, county clerk, noted that James Flores had filed for reelection to his Superior city council seat. David Mussman filed for reelection to his seat as District 2 county commissioner. The deadline for incumbents to file for reelection was last Thursday. Non-incumbents have until Friday, March 1, to file for any open seats in local and county-wide elections.

The road department reported their new building was erected. They were awaiting arrival of the doors for installation. They are also awaiting the installation of the electrical system.

Jerry Grove chaired the board of equalization meeting. Susan Rogers, county assessor, presented the board with 64 applications for complete or partial tax exemptions for Nuckolls County properties. The requests are for non-profit organizations which operate within the county, the majority being places of worship. The board approved 63 and denied one.

The board returned to its regular session. The meeting relocated to the second floor courtroom to accommodate individuals who wished to address the board concerning the possible replacement of the county courthouse building.

The meeting was attended by six members of the public with the rest in attendance being county employees.

The board outlined the proposed new structure would be less than 12,000 square feet. This eliminates the need for a sprinkler system to be installed.

The question of the cost to totally renovate the current building was brought up. The low estimate was $9 million and up as opposed to $4.7 million or less all inclusive cost for a new building.

The board described the financing options available to the board. None of the options require a bond issue.

The issue of asbestos abatement in the current building was raised. One speaker questioned why the board had not sealed up the clock tower which is a source of some issues.

Should the courthouse be renovated, the question of relocation of offices while the project is underway was raised. It was estimated that the cost to rent alternate space while renovations were underway would be more than $350,000 if space could be found.

The utility costs at the current building average more than $5,000 per month.

The board answered they were uncertain whether the proposed project would be put to a public vote or decided by the board.

Another public session was held Tuesday evening at the courthouse.

The board will hold their regular meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the courthouse, Monday, March 4.