County Board Hears from Colonial Life

On Tuesday, August 2, the County Board of Supervisors considered a proposal from Colonial Life, along with discussing other business in Kearney County.
Chairman Jim Swanson of the Minden Veterans Committee anticipates an 8-9% increase in budget next year, after five consecutive years of 0% increase. They reported that Veterans’ Affairs owns five acres in Grand Island and they are planning to start a housing project for veterans who need help. There are 641 veterans in Kearney County, with approximately $ 2 million income in vets benefits, money that is spent back into Kearney County. The Veterans Committee believes Kearney County vets should be getting $3.5 to 4 million in benefits, as more veterans learn they are eligible.
In comparison, Hall County has 3,800 veterans and around $38 million in benefits income. Recent surveys indicate veterans affairs money is spent seven times in the county, but many veterans are under the impression they are not  eligible for benefits.
The federal government will soon be requiring computer programs that will need to be installed on the veteran service officer computer. The bus to take veterans to the hospital in Grand Island has been rerouted away from Minden. The committee will be looking for volunteers to drive veterans to appointments in Grand Island.
The board approved the fee report from the county clerk, and clerk of the district court, along with the minutes, bills and claims. They also approved the subgrant agreement for Child Support Enforcement Services and Clerk of the District Court.
They also approved the addition of Pledged Security for the County Treasurer through First Bank and Trust Co. in the amount of $750,000 from Banker’s Bank of the West. They approved the addition of Pledged Security for the County Treasure through the Minden Exchange Bank and Trust Co. in the amount of $1 million from Wells Fargo Bank of Minnesota.

For complete coverage, read The Minden Courier