2023 Tax Valuation Protests
Statement of Polices and Procedures for 2023 Real Estate Tax Valuation Protests
Please download and fill in the form/s below.
Protest Information Guide
GIS
Statement of Polices and Procedures
2023 Buffalo County Board of Equalization Hearings
Notice of Hearing - Property Valuation Protests
2023 Board of Equalization Property Valuation Protest Hearings Minutes
Past Years Recommendations
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Sheriff's Department Forms
Application for Employment
Complaint Form
Download and print the firearm purchase certificate application.
Or call our office at 308-233- 5250 and arrange for an application to be mailed to you.
Application Submission Instructions:
1. Complete the application and have it notarized.
2. Provide a photocopy of your Nebraska Driver’s License/State ID with your current address.
* If applicable a photocopy of your permanent resident card.
3. Mail the completed application, required identification photocopy, and $5.00 fee payable to:
Buffalo County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848
Facility Rental
Buffalo County has several meeting rooms available for community use. Whether you need to have a few people
sitting around a table, a meeting for 100 people, or an event that will be attended by 500, we may have a place for you.
Download the Rental Contract, fill this form out and send it in to get the rental process started.
For questions or additional information contact:
Nikki - (308)
236-1225 - nfriend@buffalocounty.ne.gov
Steve - (308) 236-1225 - facilities@buffalocounty.ne.gov
Register of Deeds Records Online Information
Search County Land Records 24 Hours a Day!
Laredo
Designed for users who consistently search in a single county
Fidlar Software has designed Laredo, a remote access product, with your objectives in mind. Laredo’s innovative technology and 24-hour access to the county’s land records allows you to obtain information faster and more efficiently.
Benefits
- Same user interface that is used on the courthouse workstation
- Real time, 24/7 access
- Customizable results screens
- Subscription based
Cost Breakdown:
Per-minute Plan Charges
| Minutes |
Price/Month |
Overage Charge/Minute |
| 0-250 |
$75 |
$0.25 |
| 251-500 |
$125 |
$0.20 |
| 501-1000 |
$200 |
$0.15 |
| 1001-2000 |
$300 |
$0.10 |
| Unlimited |
$450 |
|
**Per minute charge for each minute over the signed-up plan
To Sign Up:
To become a Laredo Subscriber please contact the Buffalo County Register of Deeds Office @ 308-236-1239.
To Search:
Once you have signed up, and have been issued a username and password, go to the Fidlar website select Nebraska as the state, then Buffalo as the county, and click download.
Tapestry
Designed for the occasional users or those who want the freedom to search in all Fidlar counties
All you need is a web browser for 24/7 access to county land records. From the Tapestry web site, users can access information from ALL participating counties. Tapestry allows for both pay-as-you-go access, and an open account payment plan.
Benefits
- 24/7 Remote Internet access
- Secure browser based access
- Search via many data parameters (grantor/grantee, date range, document number, legal description, etc.)
Tapestry Cost Breakdown
- Index/Image Search - $8.75 per search
- Grantor/Grantee
- Beginning/Ending Date
- Consideration amount
- Legal description - Subdivision, parcel ID, Metes & Bounds
- Document search types
- Print copies - $1.00 per page
- Viewing images is included in the per search fee
Flexible Payment Options:
- Pay-as-you-go with a credit card - Visa & MasterCard accepted
- Open Account Payment Plan - $25 minimum per month
Domestic Violence FAQ
What is a crime of Domestic Violence?
A crime of Domestic Violence (DV) is any crime involving individuals who are currently or have had in the past an intimate and/or dating relationship. It may include a physical assault. It may also include, but is not limited to, the following types of cases: damage to property, theft, refusing a request to leave, violation of a protection order, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, etc.
A police report has been filed and the suspect was not arrested at the scene. What happens next?
If they were not arrested at the scene and the crime involves Domestic Violence (DV), the police report will be further investigated by law enforcement. If that further investigation reveals sufficient evidence to believe a crime has been committed, the police will give that information to the County Attorney’s office for review. If the police do not believe a crime has occurred or that there is insufficient evidence to proceed in a criminal case, no further action will be taken.
If the County Attorney’s office believes sufficient evidence exists, appropriate charges will be filed, which may include the prosecutor’s request of the County Court for an arrest warrant for the suspect.
A police report has been filed and the suspect was arrested at the time of the incident or arrested on a warrant, what happens next?
The next step is usually an arraignment hearing. Arraignments are generally done every weekday at 1:30 p.m. on the next business day after the arrest, excluding holidays. The Judge will tell the defendant what they are charged with and the possible penalties. They will be granted an appearance bond, which will require that they have no contact with their victim. That means they are not to visit, telephone, e-mail, text, or in any way communicate with their victim. The accused will have the opportunity to hire an attorney, or be appointed one if they cannot afford one. The defendant may enter a plea of guilty or no contest, and the next hearing will be a sentencing; or a plea of not guilty, and a trial date will be set.
The Judge issued a No Contact Order, what does that mean?
It is a condition of bond in all cases of Domestic Violence, issued by the Judge at arraignment that forbids contact with the listed victim, or victims, until the case is resolved. It is the policy of the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office to uphold and defend that “No Contact Order,” even if the victim does not wish one. The Defendant may be charged with an additional crime if he/she violates that order, and may also have his/her bond revoked or increased as a result of violating said order.
How can I find out if an offender is still in jail?
Contact VINE at 877-NE 4 VINE or (877) 634-8463, or online at www.vinelink.com.
I posted bond for someone, how do I get that money back?
If a Defendant can post the bond, it will be released to the Defendant, regardless of who posted the bond. The bond will be released upon the resolution to the defendant, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
What if I want to drop charges and/or recant the statements made to the Police?
Our office will not drop charges, generally speaking. Charges are filed by the State of Nebraska, not the alleged victim. It is the best interest of the State of Nebraska and the alleged victim to see that any person accused of Domestic Violence be held accountable for their actions. Domestic Violence poses a danger not only to the victim, but also to the victim’s family and society as a whole. The State of Nebraska has a “no-drop” policy to protect not just the individual victim and to ensure that there is no further violence perpetrated by the accused.
What will happen at a trial?
There are two types of trials: Jury or Bench. A Bench trial is decided by a judge only. A Jury trial is decided by a group of citizens. At both trials there is evidence presented. The witnesses will testify as to what they saw and heard. Evidence may include witness testimony, copies of 911 call recordings, photographs of injuries and the scene, hospital and doctor reports, telephone records, and more. The witnesses will be cross-examined. After all of the evidence is presented there will be a decision of guilty or not guilty.
Will I have to testify?
The majority of DV cases are resolved prior to trial by a plea agreement. However, if such an agreement cannot be reached, you will receive a subpoena that court-orders you to appear and testify at trial.
What could the potential sentence be upon a finding of guilt?
The sentence depends upon the crime charged. Judges have great latitude in sentencing offenders. They may order the defendant to pay a fine, be placed on probation, or serve time in jail or prison, or may order a combination of those things.
As a part of probation, a judge may order the defendant to pay restitution. In order for restitution to be paid, the defendant must be eligible to be placed on probation OR to have posted sufficient bond to pay the requested amount of restitution. Only those victims listed in a police report who have been reported to have damage to property may be given restitution. Victims may be required to submit a victim impact statement and documentation for any restitution they desire. If no restitution is at issue, a victim may, through a victim impact statement, tell the sentencing judge in writing how they feel about the event and what they think ought to be done with the offender.
How do I find out what time/date the trial will be?
Victims and witnesses will be personally notified in writing of the date, time, and location of the trial. Victims and witnesses will receive a letter and legal document called a subpoena that court orders them to appear on the date of trial. It is important to communicate with the prosecutor in preparation for trial.
What if I received a subpoena but cannot testify?
A subpoena is a legal document that court orders someone’s appearance. If that person choose to ignore the subpoena and does not appear, a judge may find them in contempt of court and issue a warrant for their arrest.
If you cannot appear for some legitimate reason, you should call the prosecutor assigned to your case and explain. The prosecutor may then ask the court to continue the trial or hearing, and there may be a hearing on that request. The hearing will be held in front of the judge assigned and the Defendant and his/her attorney will be present. Continuances are only granted in extreme circumstances.
What is my role in the case and how/when will I be contacted?
The Buffalo County Attorney’s Office encourages victims to be involved in the legal process. A member of our office or the Kearney Police Department Victim/Witness Unit will contact victims to let them know when a Defendant is scheduled to be arraigned, and also after the arraignment so that they have information as to future court dates, appearance bonds, and any other conditions of a Defendant’s release.
The prosecutor assigned to the case is also available to answer any questions a victim may have, and to consult with them regarding any potential plea agreements negotiated with the defendant’s attorney. The victim will be notified of any pending sentencing dates or other important hearings.
For information about the status of a case, call the Kearney Police Department Victim/Witness Unit at (308) 233-5263, or call the County Attorney’s Office at (308) 236-1222.
Where can I get help?
You are not alone in this process. There are several organizations that specialize in domestic violence issues that are waiting to help you through the process. The Kearney Police Department Victim/Witness Unit (308-233-5263) is here to provide support services for you. The S.A.F.E. Center also offers many resources for victims of domestic violence and their families.
How can I get a Protection Order?
If you are in fear of your safety, you may obtain a court order to prevent an individual from contacting you. Information and downloadable forms are available online. Or, contact the Buffalo County Clerk of the District Court to obtain them. The S.A.F.E. Center can be a source of information also. Finally, the Kearney Police Department’s Victim/Witness Unit can provide information.
Traffic
Purpose:
The Traffic Division of the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office prosecutes all violations of the Nebraska Rules of the Road, including driving under the influence and speeding, game and parks violations, and more.
Additionally, the Division enforces selected provisions of the Kearney City Code that pertain to traffic and advises law enforcement on traffic issues.
Find information on Nebraska’s Point System for drivers licenses.
Do you have a Buffalo County traffic citation? You have these options:
- Contest the citation. Personally appear in the Buffalo County Court on the date and time given on your citation and invoke your right to trial. See the rights you have as an accused person.
- Pay the citation by waiver. Pay the fines and costs no later than your court date without appearing in court. This can be done online. Waiver fines are set by the Nebraska Supreme Court for those who wish simply to pay their ticket without going to court over it. For more information, view the Nebraska Supreme Court Waiver Fine List .
- Inquire about the STOP class. The Safety Training Option Program (STOP) class is offered by the Nebraska Safety Center to individuals who have been ticketed for committing a minor traffic violation. It takes four hours to complete. It is voluntary. By completing it, the violator pays no fine, has no court appearance, has no points assessed on their driving record, and can improve their driving skills.
The Nebraska Safety Center offers this program across the State. For more information or to register, call the Safety Center at (308) 865-1287 or register online at www.unk.edu/stop.
Classes are held the first Sunday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the third Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; and the fourth Monday of the month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Holiday times may vary.
All classes are held at:University of Nebraska at Kearney
West Center
Room 012N
Kearney, NE 68849
(Map information)
YOU MUST REGISTER FOR STOP WITHIN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS OF THE OFFENSE, AND COMPLETE THE CLASS WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE OFFENSE.
You are not eligible for the STOP class if your citation is for:
- Speeding twenty (20) or miles per hour over the speed limit.
- Leaving the scene of an accident.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Reckless driving or willful reckless driving.
- Participating in a speed contest, race, or exhibition of acceleration.
- Operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest.
- Driving on a suspended or revoked operator’s license.
- Operating a motor vehicle without insurance or proof of financial responsibility.
- Any injury accident or violation which is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Also, you are not eligible for the STOP class if:
- You hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), even if you were cited while operating a non-commercial vehicle.
- You have participated in any STOP class within the last three (3) years.
- You wish to contest your citation.
Meeting these eligibility requirements is the responsibility of the participant.
HOW TO REGISTER:
- Call the Nebraska Safety Center at (308) 865-1287, or visit their website, www.unk.edu/stop, for more information.
- Download the registration form.
Wireless Emergency Alerts
To enhance public safety, a free Wireless Emergency Alerts service is rolling out. WEA (pronounced “wee”) messages are text-like alert messages received by your mobile device during an emergency in your area. The purpose of WEA is to provide an increasingly mobile American public with a free and fast way to receive critically important information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is this important to me?
Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency. With WEA, alerts can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without need to download an app or subscribe to a service.
What are WEA messages?
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service.
What types of alerts will I receive?
- Extreme weather, and other threatening emergencies in your area
- AMBER Alerts
- Presidential Alerts during a national emergency
What does a WEA message look like?
WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters.
How will I know the difference between WEA and a regular text message?
WEA messages include a special tone and vibration, both repeated twice.
What types of WEA messages will the National Weather Service send?
- Tsunami Warnings
- Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings
- Hurricane, Typhoon, Dust Storm and Extreme Wind Warnings
- Blizzard and Ice Storm Warnings
What should I do when I receive a WEA message?
Follow any action advised by the emergency message. Seek more details from local media or authorities.
Will I receive a WEA message if I’m visiting an area where I don’t live, or outside the area where my phone is registered?
Yes, if you have a WEA-capable phone and your wireless carrier participates in the program. For information about which mobile devices are WEA-capable and carrier participation, please visit http://www.ctia.org/wea or contact your wireless carrier.
What if I travel into a threat area after a WEA message is already sent?
If you travel into a threat area after an alert is first sent, your WEA-capable device will receive the message when you enter the area.
When will I start receiving WEA messages?
It depends. WEA use begins in the spring of 2012, but many mobile devices, especially older ones, are not WEA-capable. When you buy a new mobile device, it probably will be able to receive WEA messages. For information about which mobile devices are WEA-capable, please visit http://www.ctia.org/wea or contact your wireless carrier.
Is this the same service public safety agencies have asked the public to register for?
No, but they are complementary. Local agencies may have asked you to sign up to receive telephone calls, text messages, or emails. Those messages often include specific details about a critical event. WEA are very short messages designed to get your attention in an emergency situation. They may not give all the details you receive from other notification services.
Will I be charged for receiving WEA messages?
No. This service is offered for free by wireless carriers. WEA messages will not count towards texting limits on your wireless plan.
Does WEA know where I am? Is it tracking me?
No. Just like emergency weather alerts you see on local TV, WEA are broadcast from area cell towers to mobile devices in the area. Every WEA-capable phone within range receives the message, just like every TV shows the emergency weather alert if it is turned on. TV stations, like WEA, don’t know exactly who is tuned in.
Will a WEA message interrupt my phone conversations?
No, the alert will be delayed until you finish your call.
How often will I receive WEA messages?
You may receive frequent WEA messages during an emergency. Message frequency depends on the number of imminent threats to life or property in your area.
If, during an emergency, I can’t make or receive calls or text messages due to network congestion, will I still be able to receive a WEA message?
Yes, WEA messages are not affected by network congestion.
What if I don’t want to receive WEA messages?
You can opt-out of receiving WEA messages for imminent threats and AMBER alerts, but not for Presidential messages. To opt out, please refer to instructions from your wireless carrier or visit http://www.ctia.org/wea for more information.
How will I receive alerts if I don’t have a WEA-capable device?
WEA is one of many ways you can receive emergency notifications. Other sources include NOAA Weather Radio, news media coverage, the Emergency Alert System on radio and TV broadcasts, social media, and other alerting methods offered by local and state public safety agencies. Your best use of WEA is to immediately seek additional information about the imminent threat impacting your area.
A flyer with more information about
Wireless Emergency Alerts is available.
Online Forms
Below are forms/documents listed by office.
 The following files are in PDF format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files. It is a free download from Adobe.com. Files in PDF format are printer friendly
Geographic Information System
Click the button below to access GIS:
Our GIS site is open to the public with three offices currently online.
On the Assessor tab you will be able to view parcels and section information. A photo and sketch of each parcel are also available. If you have any questions about information on the Assessor tab, please call 308-236-1205.
On the Planning/Zoning tab you will be able to see information on floodplains, wellhead protection areas, and county zones. If you have any questions about information on the Planning/Zoning tab, please call 308-236-1998.
GIS Data For Download
You can now download some of our GIS layers below. The data is available in shapefile format only.
Centerline Data (Updated 2015-05-06)
Annual Reports
[Note: The following files are in PDF format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files. It is a free download from Adobe.com. You can get it by clicking here. Files in PDF format are printer friendly]
2003 Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
Buffalo County furnishes the public information contained herein as a public service. This information may not reflect the most recent resolutions of the LEPC and if the resolutions need to be legally relied upon, the most current version may be obtained at the Emergency Manager office. Please also read the disclaimer statement.
Please choose the agenda or minutes you wish to view from the list below.
[Note: The following files are in PDF format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files. It is a free download from Adobe.com. Files in PDF format are printer friendly]
2006 Archive
2005 Archive
2004 Archive
2003 Archive
2004 Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
Buffalo County furnishes the public information contained herein as a public service. This information may not reflect the most recent resolutions of the LEPC and if the resolutions need to be legally relied upon, the most current version may be obtained at the Emergency Manager office. Please also read the disclaimer statement.
Please choose the agenda or minutes you wish to view from the list below.
[Note: The following files are in PDF format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files. It is a free download from Adobe.com.. Files in PDF format are printer friendly]
2006 Archive
2005 Archive
2004 Archive
2003 Archive
2005 Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
Buffalo County furnishes the public information contained herein as a public service. This information may not reflect the most recent resolutions of the LEPC and if the resolutions need to be legally relied upon, the most current version may be obtained at the Emergency Manager office. Please also read the disclaimer statement.
Please choose the agenda or minutes you wish to view from the list below.
[Note: The following files are in PDF format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files. It is a free download from Adobe.com.. Files in PDF format are printer friendly]
2006 Archive
2005 Archive
2004 Archive
2003 Archive
2006 Mutual Aid Meeting Minutes
Buffalo County furnishes the public information contained herein as a public service. This information may not reflect the most recent resolutions of the County Board and if the resolutions need to be legally relied upon, the most current version may be obtained at the office of the Buffalo County Clerk or the appropriate county office.
Please also read the disclaimer statement.
Please choose the agenda or minutes you wish to view from the list below.
[Note: The following files are in PDF format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files. It is a free download from Adobe.com. You can get it by clicking here. Files in PDF format are printer friendly]
2007 Archive
2006 Archive
Voter Registration
Nebraska VoterCheck Website
Click the above link to access your polling place address and party affiliation if you are already registered
Nebraska Online Voter Registration
Click the above link to register to vote, change your address, party affiliation or change your name on your voter registration record.
Is registration required in Nebraska to be eligible to vote?
Yes, the only exception is during Presidential elections. If you have recently moved to Nebraska or moved to another state after the registration deadline, then you may only vote a Presidential ballot.
Who may register to vote?
Anyone who meets the following criteria:
- Will be 18 years of age or older on General Election Day (first Tuesday after the first Monday in November)
- Is a United States Citizen
- Is a resident of Nebraska
- Has not been convicted of a felony or, if convicted it has been at least two years since I completed my sentence for the felony, including any parole term
- Have not been found mentally incompetent
How may I register?
You may register at the Election Commissioner's Office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also download the form and send it by mail if you
have access to a printer (see instructions on the right) or click on the link above
that says Nebraska Online Voter Registration.
What is the registration deadline?
Mail-in registration must be postmarked on or before the third Friday before an election. You may register in person at the Election Commission by the second Friday prior to an election.
Do I have to be a resident for a certain time period?
No, you may register the same day you become a resident of Buffalo County.
How is residence determined?
Residence shall mean:
- That place in which a person is actually domiciled, which is the residence of an individual or family, with which a person has a settled connection for the determination of his or her civil status or other legal purposes because it is actually or legally his or her permanent and principal home, and to which, whenever he or she is absent, has the intention of returning.
- The place where a person has his or her family domiciled even if he or she does business in another place.
- If a person is homeless, the county in which the person is living.
No person serving in the armed forces of the United States shall be deemed to have a residence in Nebraska because of being stationed in Nebraska. Those serving in the military or attending college in another area other than Buffalo County do not need to change their registration. However, any permanent change in your residence or address will require you to re-register to vote in that location.
May a student register and vote from a school address?
Yes, you may decide to register and vote from either your school or home address. If you want to vote from your home address, write your county election commissioner or clerk and ask them to mail a voter registration form and an absentee ballot. (See Absentee Ballot information)
Must I designate a party affiliation on my registration?
Yes. Nebraska has a "closed primary" which means that you are only allowed to vote the ballot for the party you designated on your voter registration. Currently Nebraska has Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Non-partisan, and Marijuana NOW. If you are registered as one of the above parties, you would receive the party ballot along with the non-partisan ballot. You may indicate that you wish to be Non Partisan, but in that event, you would only receive the non-political ballot and (if you request) a congressional and senatorial partisan ballot. You may change your party affiliation anytime before the registration deadline.
Do I ever have to re-register?
You must re-register whenever you change your name, your address or political party affiliation.
Will I receive notice that my mail-in registration has been accepted and processed?
Yes, if you completed the form correctly and mailed it by the deadline (third Friday prior to an election). If you do not receive notification within 10 days that your registration has been accepted, call the Election Office. You are not a registered voter until you receive confirmation.
Welcome
We invite you to browse our web site to learn about our various County offices and the services Buffalo County, Nebraska offers its citizens.
LB304 - Annual Memberships
Follow us on for current info as well.
This web site contains information about County programs,services, departments and offices, as well as helpful information oncommonly asked questions. We encourage you to use this site frequently to access meeting notices, Open Meetings Act, agendas, packets, and minutes of the County Board of Commissioners.
Buffalo County uses Beacon Bid to share solicitations with suppliers. Click on any solicitation and fill out the free form on Beacon. Or subscribe for free updates for our future bids and RFPs. You will receive an email with the link to download attachments. Please note that accurate contact information is required in order to receive any updates.
Beacon is free for bidders.
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