(KLZA)-- Nemaha County, Nebraska Commissioners authorized Sheriff Brent Lottman to purchase a 2016 Dodge Charger Special Police vehicle through the State bidding process when they met Wednesday.  The cost of the vehicle will be $26,019. 

Mark Mainelli with Mainelli – Wagner and Associates met with the Board to discuss a number of issues.  During the meeting Board members prioritized their One & Six Year Projects.  Mainelli also discussed requests for closing or vacating two county roads. He brought up several concerns if the road is closed rather than vacated.

Mainelli also presented findings from the bridge inspection on an historical bridge, located next to the Steamboat Trace Trail.  The superstructure steel is heavily weathered with heavy surface rust and pitting. Rivets and bolts were found to be in poor condition with heavy rust and pitting while retrofit welds are in poor condition or have failed. The inspection also found the abutments is deteriorating and the southwest wing is losing backfill and leaning.  

Mainelli said it will take a lot of money to bring the bridge back up to a 3-ton vehicle level crossing and noted he was not sure if the fixes would allow a 5-ton rating.  Mainelli asked what Commissioners want to do for repairs to the historical bridge and how much money they want to spend on the structure.

Emergency Management Director Renee Critser met with Commissioners regarding hiring a part-time employee. She indicated she will post the job opening immediately within Nemaha County, Nebraska. 

The Board approved hiring a part-time employee for 20 hours or less per week at a wage of $14.81 per hour, with no other benefits.