The Richardson County Commissioners met on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the courthouse, and all members answered the roll call.
Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. reported that the County currently has only two operational semi-trucks. One is experiencing trailer issues. The trailer’s axles have been removed, and a weld is being repaired. While the repair is underway, all new bushings will be installed. Darveau cited the difficulty of getting the axles back into the proper position once they have been removed. Another truck has been out of commission for nearly a month while wiring issues are being investigated, and a third truck is experiencing DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) pump issues.
“It’s just one thing after another,” said Darveau. “We do this every year, it seems like we go through it with these trucks.”
Darveau also discussed the vehicle cameras through Verizon. He said the estimate he received from Otoe County was inaccurate. In total, cameras will be installed in 24 County vehicles. The cameras will be front- and rear-facing. The County will pay $1,200 per month for the units.
A contract with Van Dorn Valley Construction, LLC, for the Dawson NW C-74 (2023-05) in the amount of $40,720.78 was approved.
Chief Deputy Dexter Holliday presented the Board with an update on routine business at the Law Enforcement Center and Jail. Holliday reported that the jail was currently holding 17 inmates. A new service agreement with IDEMIA for LiveScan fingerprinting was presented. The system speeds up the registration and enrollment of inmate data during booking. The cost of the agreement is $2,917.00. The motion passed 3-0.
Falls City EDGE Director Lucas Froeschl delivered a quarterly report to the Commissioners.
Director Froeschl said he had informed Citroniq of the change in Falls City’s City Administrator and that it wouldn’t affect anything moving forward.
“He’s (Gary Jorn) all in on what we’re doing here,” said Froeschl. “He really brings a finance expertise that is valuable there.”
He also noted a recent Citroniq press release stating that half of the Nebraska plant’s output has been pre-sold for the next 15 years.
“They are using that as leverage to get the private investment they need to get to the next step,” said Froeschl.
Mr. Froeschl said he’d like to execute land option agreements this calendar year.
“We’re still trying to make sure we win this project and bring it here to Richardson County,” said Froeschl.
Froeschl also said that a $5 million grant has been submitted to the Federal Economic Development Administration for the transmission line project. An error was found in the submission, but the grant will be resubmitted.
“It sounds like the Denver office for the EDA is excited about this project,” said Froeschl. “So, they are really trying to work with us to make sure we get it submitted.”
At 10:00, Commissioner Caverzagie moved to enter a closed meeting with EMA Director Brian Kirkendall, County Attorney Samantha Scheitel, and Clerk Mary Eickhoff to discuss possible litigation and to protect the public interest.
