Seward County Commissioners on Sept. 30 approved a plan to pay for the county’s share of a new public transit van from its remaining American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds.
Under the Federal Transit Act for the Nebraska Public Transportation Act funds, the county is eligible to purchase a new van that carries six passengers and two wheelchair passengers for $7,700, which is 10% of the total cost of $77,000. The federal match is then $69,300.
Seward County Public Transit Director Brandy Hafer told commissioners her department will use the new van to replace one of its two vans that needs about $6,000 in repairs. The old van will be kept as a backup.
Hafer told commissioners her department had saved about $6,000 for a vehicle replacement, but is also looking ahead to replace its bus, which can accommodate 12 chairs and two wheelchairs.
County Commission Chair Misty Ahmic said it would be better to utilize some of the county’s $30,000 in unallocated ARPA funds, which were awarded during and after the pandemic and must be used by the end of 2026 or be returned to the federal government.
That would enable the Public Transit Department to continue saving toward a bus, which could cost the county about $10,300 through the FTA program, which could potentially occur after the ARPA deadline. The federal portion of the bus would be $92,700 when the county is eligible for a bus upgrade.
Hafer said Public Transit does not have use for a second bus now because the current bus is used only for large groups.
“I do have a need for the two minivans,” she said, noting her department has seen an increase in trips to Lincoln and Omaha, and trips originating in Utica, Beaver Crossing and other towns outside of Seward.
For smaller numbers of passengers, the minivans’ fuel mileage is preferrable.
Also during the meeting, Seward County Human Resources Director Roxanne Knutson presented County Clerk Sherry Schweitzer with a plaque commemorating her 47 years of service to the county. Schweitzer retired Oct. 3.
Also at the Commissioners’ Sept. 30 meeting, the board:
• Finalized its tax request for the 2025-26 fiscal year with a resolution setting the tax request at $10,923,481.
• Tabled a possible ballot question for the Seward Blue River Historical District pending in input from the county attorney.
• Authorized the Advanced Correctional Health Care Renewal Letter for the Seward County Detention Center, which was presented by new Detention Center Director Sara Stenger, as well as approving renewal of the Guardian RFID agreement for services at the center.
• Authorized the chair to sign a Nebraska Game and Parks Department’s environmental review report for a 420th Road paving project grant, which required no further action from the county.
• Voted to renew its participation in the Nebraska Regional Interoperability Network.
• Recognized Larry Heyen of Milford as Seward County Veteran of the Month, recognizing his service in the military and as a veteran with the Milford American Legion.
• Approved a short form plat for the Stauffer-Koehler Subdivision in the southeast quarter of Section 33 Township 10 near 266th and Van Dorn Roads, and the Schrad Addition in the southeast southwest quarters of Section 27 Township 27 near 168th and Branched Oak Roads.
• Opened a public hearing at which no one appeared and approved a conditional use permit to upgrade or modify equipment to an existing wireless tower involving the removal of three antennas and the addition of nine and the removal of 15 radios and addition of 12.
