WATCHDOG OVERSIGHT: Commissioners Appoint Lindsay Kostecka as County Clerk; Authorize Surplus Sale
Official breakdown of the Nov 25, 2025 meeting: Clerk appointment, property liquidation, and courthouse infrastructure alerts.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: SUPPORTING FISCAL STEWARDSHIP
- Personnel Shift: Deputy Clerk Lindsay Kostecka was officially appointed as County Clerk following a closed-session discussion regarding the position.
- Resignation: The board formally accepted the resignation of Rachel King.
- Asset Liquidation: Multiple county items, including a 2018 Ford Explorer and a 2007 Chevy Silverado, were declared surplus for public auction.
- Regional Integration: Approval was granted for the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement to join the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD).
- Infrastructure Concerns: Building and Grounds report highlighted issues regarding water infiltration in the courthouse basement.
SESSION OVERVIEW
PAWNEE CITY, NE , The Pawnee County Board of Commissioners convened for a productive yet closed-door session that reshaped the county’s administrative leadership. Following the resignation of Rachel King, the Board entered an executive session lasting 26 minutes to discuss the County Clerk position. Immediately upon exiting, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Lindsay Kostecka to the role, elevating her from her previous position as Deputy Clerk.
"Heidemann moved and Lang seconded to exit out of executive session at 10:00 a.m... Motion made by Heidemann and seconded by Lang to appoint Lindsay Kostecka as County Clerk."
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
- 9:00 AM: Meeting called to order; Open Meeting Law poster verified.
- 9:10 AM: Public Comment; introduction of Josie Friedly, Pawnee City Economic Developer.
- 9:19 AM - 9:31 AM: Executive session regarding Veteran Services aid.
- 9:34 AM - 10:00 AM: Closed session regarding County Clerk position.
- 10:15 AM (approx): Sheriff Braden Lang discusses recruiting, retention, and surplus equipment.
- 11:34 AM: Meeting adjourned by Chairman Ron Seitz.
THE WATCHDOG REPORT
The meeting minutes reveal a heavy focus on clearing the "books" and assets as the year winds down. The declaration of surplus property was extensive, affecting both the Sheriff’s Department and the Highway Department. Specifically, the county will auction a 2018 Ford Explorer and a 2007 Chevy Silverado via Schardt Auction Services.
Financial transparency remains a cornerstone of these reports. Significant expenditures include $49,307.40 paid to Martin Marietta Materials for rock and gravel, and $14,662.97 for United Healthcare premiums. Additionally, the transfer of $96,924.03 from the General Fund to the Road Fund highlights the ongoing costs of county infrastructure maintenance.
The board also addressed critical maintenance of the courthouse itself, with Josh Smith (Building and Grounds) reporting water issues in the basement, a potential red flag for future capital expenditure requests.