Buffalo County: Emp

Deputy Public Defender Position

The Buffalo County Public Defender is seeking an applicant for a Deputy Public Defender. Interested applicants can apply by sending a cover letter and resume to the Buffalo County Public Defender at jwirth@buffalocounty.ne.gov

Job Description:

The Buffalo County Public Defender's Office is seeking qualified applicants for a position as Deputy Public Defender. The Buffalo County Public Defender's Office represents indigent defendants in misdemeanor, felony, child support enforcement/establishment, mental health board, and limited juvenile court capacities. Must have strong client counseling and time-management skills, and be able to cultivate strong professional relationships with county officials and judiciary.
Salary Range is $78,000 to $96,000 per year, depending on experience. Benefits include sick time, vacation, county retirement and medical insurance.
Veteran's preference will be given.

Assistant Clerk II

Full-time position. M-F 8-5. Applicant must possess excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills. Pay based on experience. Generous benefits.

Applicants mat email a PDF versions of Resume, Cover Letter, and Buffalo County Application to cstabenow@buffalocounty.ne.gov or can be mailed or delivered to:

Cheryl S. Stabenow

Clerk of the District Court

Buffalo County

Justice Center - Courthouse

1512 Central Avenue

PO Box 520

Kearney, NE 68848

Buffalo County EOE/AA/Veterans Preference

Applications available: http://buffalocounty.ne.gov/employment Application review begins April 15, 2025 and will continue until position(s) are filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Detailed job description

Buffalo County Recreation Area - Ravenna Lake: Camp Host

The Camp Host plays a key role in creating a welcoming atmosphere and maintaining the daily operations of a recreation area and campground. This includes greeting guests, offering helpful information, providing administrative support, performing maintenance tasks and custodial work, and ensuring that the facilities operate efficiently and safely.

More information

Interested applicants should submit an application, resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and availability to:

Buffalo County Board Administrator
1512 Central Avenue
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848
lmartin@buffalocounty.ne.gov

Buffalo County Facilities OMP Seasonal Park Maintenance Worker

Buffalo County, Nebraska is accepting applications for a Seasonal Part-Time Park Maintenance Worker for Buildings & Grounds.

Detailed Job Description

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Jail

Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for a Full-time Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Applicants must be at least 21 years of age; have a valid Nebraska driver’s license; no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; and be able to work rotating shifts including weekends, and holidays. All applicants will be subject to a thorough background check. Starting salary is $20.38 per hour. Benefits include full time pay, individual health insurance, access to vision, dental, life and disability insurance, subsidized family health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave and employer matched-retirement.

* Position will remain open until filled.

Full details of the position

BCSO Application

Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office
2025 Ave A
P.O. Box 2228
Kearney, NE 68848
308-233-5274
jsamuelson@kearneygov.org

EOE/AA/Veteran’s Preference

Auto Mechanic

The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for a full-time Auto Mechanic, who will be responsible for general maintenance of the law enforcement fleet and the installation of public safety equipment.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age; have a valid Nebraska driver’s license; a high school diploma or GED; no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; and be able to read, write and understand the English language as well as operate a variety of computer programs. All applicants will be subject to a thorough background check. Benefits include full time pay, individual health insurance, access to vision, dental, life and disability insurance, subsidized family health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, employer matched-retirement, and furnished uniforms. Hourly pay starting at $24.56. Salary dependent upon experience. Position will remain open until filled.

EOE/AA/Veterans preference

Buffalo County Sheriff's Office
2025 Avenue A
P.O. Box 2228
Kearney, NE 68848

308-233-5274
308-233-5246 (fax)
jsamuelson@kearneygov.org

Full Job Description

Buffalo County Job Application

Grader Operator/Maintenance Worker II (CDL Not Required) - Gibbon Area

General Purpose:

Operate, light, medium, heavy equipment, road maintenance and manual labor

Full Job Description

Applicants must complete a standard application available at www.buffalocounty.ne.gov/employment. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent. Combination of equivalent education and/or work experience may be considered if substantially related to the detailed job requirements of the this position
At least one year experience as a laborer, in driving dump or similar trucks, light equipment in maintenance and construction or similar work
Appropriate trade school training is desirable
Must possess a valid State of Nebraska Driver’s License

Wages: $20.50/hour

Application Submission:
Please submit complete application, resume, and cover letter to:
Buffalo County Board Administrator
1512 Central Avenue
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848
lmartin@buffalocounty.ne.gov

This position is open until filled.

Part-time Mower Operator

General Purpose:
Operate tractor/mower and wood chipper to cut and remove brush from road right-a-ways and bridges on uneven or rough terrain

Applicants must complete a standard application available at buffalocounty.ne.gov/employment. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Qualifications:

Have a valid driver’s license
High School diploma or GED
Must be able to pass a background check

Wages: $15.00

Application Submission:

Please submit complete application to:
Buffalo County Board Administrator
1512 Central Avenue
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848
lmartin@buffalocounty.ne.gov

First review of applications will be May 10, 2023. Position will remain open until filled.

Buffalo County is EOE/AA/Veteran Preference.

Full Job Description

Flock Safety System

Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) have long helped law enforcement in solving crimes. ALPRs capture computer-readable images of license plates, allowing law enforcement agencies to compare plate numbers against those of stolen cars or cars driven by people suspected of being involved in criminal activities.

The information by ALPR cameras can help determine whether a vehicle was at the scene of a crime and to discover vehicles that may be associated with each other. Law enforcement agencies can choose to share their information with other agencies. The cameras can also integrate information from national or state crime databases to provide real-time alerts when a vehicle associated with a known suspect or a stolen vehicle passes the camera.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, when employed ethically and objectively, ALPRs are an effective force-multiplying tool for law enforcement. A 2011 study by the Police Executive Research Forum concluded that ALPRs used by Mesa, Ariz., Police resulted in “nearly 3 times as many ‘hits’ for stolen vehicles, and twice as many vehicle recoveries.”

Flock Safety communities have reported overall crime reductions of over 70 percent after a period of time utilizing the ALPR system. In some areas, that included an over 60 percent reduction in non-residential burglaries, 80 percent reduction in residential burglary, and an over 40 percent reduction in robberies.

What is Flock Safety?
Flock Safety is a public safety operating system that helps communities and law enforcement work together to eliminate crime, protect privacy, and mitigate bias. We build devices that capture objective evidence and use machine learning to detect and deliver unbiased investigative leads to law enforcement. Flock Safety communities have reported crime reductions of up to 70 percent.

Today, there are over 1,500 Flock Safety communities; we partner with 1200+ law enforcement agencies. The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Kearney Police Department under their MOU with the FLOCK Safety System.

Kearney Police Department Flock Transparency Portal

Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR #1346)

Nebraska Revised Statutes – Automatic License Plate Reader Privacy Act 60-3201 to 60-3209

Flock ALPR Data Year End Report

Vigilant Mobile ALPR Year End Report

Current Openings

Check out all the great employment opportunities that Buffalo County has to offer.

Mechanic - Highway Department

General Purpose:
Repair all County Owned Equipment

Applicants must complete a Standard County Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent. Any combination of equivalent education and/or work experience may be considered if substantially related to the detailed job requirements of this position.
At least 2 years’ experience as laborer with some experience in driving dump trucks or similar trucks and light equipment in maintenance or construction or similar work.
Must possess a valid State of Nebraska Driver’s License
Class A CDL with no restrictions

Wages:
$24.00-$26.00 depending on qualifications

Full Detailed Job Description

Application Submission:
Please submit complete application, resume, and cover letter to:
Buffalo County Board Administrator
1512 Central Avenue
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848
lmartin@buffalocounty.ne.gov

Position will remain open until filled. Applications will first be reviewed on August 4, 2022.

Juvenile Justice Coordinator position - Full-time

Full-time position in the Buffalo County Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Services Office. The person seeking this position must have excellent communication skills. Prefer criminal justice, social work, human services, education, or psychology/sociology background, (B.A or B.S. required). Experience and education is preferred. Benefit package.

Those interested must complete the Buffalo County Application for Employment online or obtained in the County Clerk’s Office.

Applications will be accepted through August 20, 2024, or until the position is filled.

Send cover letter, resume, and completed application to:

Buffalo County Juvenile Diversion Services
PO Box 67
Kearney, NE 68848

Full job description

EOE/AA/Veterans Preference

Truck Driver/Maintenance Work II (CDL Required) Kearney Area

Truck Driver/Maintenance Worker II (CDL Required) Kearney Area

General Purpose:

Operate, light, medium, heavy equipment, road maintenance and manual labor

Applicants must complete a Standard Buffalo County Job Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent. Combination of equivalent education and/or work experience may be considered if substantially related to the detailed job requirements of the this position.
At least one year experience as a laborer, in driving dump or similar trucks, light equipment in maintenance and construction or similar work.
Appropriate trade school training is desirable.
Must possess a valid State of Nebraska Driver’s License
Commercial Driver’s License with Class A Endorsement is required.

Wages: $21.00/hour

Application Submission:

Please submit complete application, resume, and cover letter to:
Buffalo County Board Administrator
1512 Central Avenue
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848
lmartin@buffalocounty.ne.gov

This position is open until filled. First review of applications will occur on May 2, 2022.

Full Job Description

Off Duty Management

In order to efficiently respond to requests and manage the employment of off-duty police officers, The Kearney Police Department has partnered with Off Duty Management to provide services related to hiring off-duty officers effective September 27,2021.

You may request to hire off-duty police officers through the Off Duty Management web-based service, OfficerTRAK®, or calling the number below.

Off Duty Management provides the following to the vendor:

Online access to information through the OfficerTRAK® software including:

Job-status
Officer attendance
Field notes and media files
Post orders and instructions
Past and future shift information

Full liability coverage for the vendor, the agency, and the officer
24/7 vendor service
Dedicated point of contact for scheduling and invoicing
Officer payroll

Prohibited Off-Duty Employment*:

Private detective agencies
Licensed liquor establishments
Sell, manufacture, or transport alcoholic beverages
Collection agencies
Advertising agencies (use of uniform or office to endorse products or businesses);
Process server
Bail bond agency
Repossessing property or evicting persons or entities from premises
Assisting in case preparation or investigation for any criminal defense or civil proceedings
Employment as an investigator or in any capacity involving the use of police records for other than law enforcement purposes
Employment that would be likely to bring the Police Department or the officer into disrespect, disfavor or ridicule, or involve the officer in a violation of Department policies, procedures or rules
Other situations, locations or capacities not approved by the Chief of Police.
Cannot access, use, or convey any data, files or information that is proprietary, is under the control of, or was collected and stored by this or any other law enforcement agency.
Cannot perform any task or job that would bring discredit or embarrassment to the Kearney Police Department.

*PLEASE NOTE: the above list is not an all-inclusive and questions regarding permitted activity should be forwarded to Off Duty Management.

RATES:

**2 Hours minimum per request.**
Title	Total Hourly Rate
Regular	$57.50
Supervisor*	$69.00
Holiday**	$69.00
Emergency***	$63.25
Vehicle	$28.75/HR. $115 Daily M

State Sales Tax 7% for all Security Posts/ No Tax for Traffic Jobs

*Supervisor Rates: A supervisor is required when four or more officers are requested.

**Holiday Rates: Rate will apply to the following days: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

***Emergency Rates: If request is received less than 72 hours prior to assignment the emergency pay rate goes into effect.

Cancellation policy:

Once an assignment has been approved and scheduled; vendors canceling or reducing assignments are required to pay the full ODM administrative fees for the first 24 hours of the original assignment. Vendors canceling or reducing assignments within 48 hours of the start of the assignment are required to pay the greater of officer hours worked or the agency minimum hours plus ODM administrative fees for the first 24 hours of the original assignment.

YOU CAN REQUEST SERVICE BY VISITING THE OFFICERTRAK® WEBSITE

OR CALL OFF DUTY MANAGEMENT 24/7 (308) 281-1827

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

Facilities General Information

The Buffalo County Facilities OMP department strives to provide extraordinary, professional and reliable building management services for all of the county facilities. Our Facilities Staff are trained professionals who are committed to providing a clean, safe, secure and functional building environment for both the county staff and the general public. Buffalo County Facilities OMP includes Operations (Custodial and Maintenance), Management (Facility Rental Use and Administrative Services), and Planning (Short term and long term improvements).

The 14 members of the Facilities OMP staff are responsible for maintaining all County Government buildings, including the Courthouse, Judicial Center, County Jail, Highway Department
buildings, Extension Building, 4 office buildings, and a recreation area with a lake and campground. There are over 30 buildings in total. In addition to these facilities, Facilities OMP maintains 11 parking lots, all walkways, steps and lawns adjacent to these areas, including landscaping, and provides snow and ice removal during the winter. The staff meet regularly to review work practices and safety regulations. They take part in additional training to keep up to date on the latest practices and procedures
relative to the cleaning, maintenance, security, and protection of County facilities, employees, and the general public.

"Facilities Operations" includes:

Custodial Services
Our Custodial Staff are trained cleaning professionals who are committed to providing a safe, clean and presentable building environment. We provide custodial services for 10 of our County buildings, their entrances, surrounding grounds, and parking areas. These buildings include:

--Buffalo County Courthouse
--Buffalo County Judicial Center
--Buffalo County Jail/EOC Center
--DHHS
--Adult Probation
--Juvenile Probation
--Extension Building
--215 Office Building
--Buffalo County Highway Department
--Buffalo County Weed District

Maintenance Services

Our Maintenance Staff are trained maintenance professionals who are committed to providing a safe, secure and functional building environment. Their work includes:

--Planned/Preventative Maintenance - includes inspections, servicing, general upkeep to buildings, equipment and grounds.
--Reactive/Unplanned Maintenance - repairing breakdowns of our facilities and grounds
--Overseeing underground fuel storage tanks/piping/lines and ensuring compliance with government regulations
--Monitoring/Maintaining Building Management Systems including HVAC controls, fire alarm systems, etc.
--Emergency Maintenance - assessing/repairing/coordinating repairs to critical system breakdowns
--Snow and Ice Removal

"Facilities Management" includes:

Facility Rental Use
The Facilities OMP department is responsible for facilitating the rental use of county facilities. At this time the principle location of this usage is the Buffalo County Extension Building. The responsibility includes:

--Schedule the usage of the Extension Building meeting rooms & kitchen, and maintain the master schedule
--Process all requests for usage of the meeting rooms & kitchen, and insure compliance with Board policies and regulations
--Execute rental contracts for outside group usage and collect rental fees associated with each agreement
--Verify appropriate requirements are met by groups using the facility
--Provide Facility Assistant when required, for groups with alcohol
--Provide proper access to scheduled groups
--Prep building for usage and follow up to ensure that it has been returned in proper condition

Administrative Services
Operations
--Ensure compliance with employment rules/regulations, county policies, and all applicable state and federal laws/regulations
--Oversee the daily operations of the Facilities OMP workforce and the work assignments
--Monitor, inspect and review the daily operations of the County facilities and grounds
--Manage installations, repairs, equipment testing and contracted maintenance by outside sources
--Oversee the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures
--Utilize and administer facility/building management software systems to manage the county facilities
--Coordinate professional development of Facilities OMP staff through training and workshops
--Have a representative on the County safety committee and any other committee as requested

Procurement
--Review and manage contracts related to county facilities
--Manage Facilities OMP equipment, materials and supplies and order inventory/supplies when needed
--Develop and maintain strong vendor and contractor partnerships to ensure the best quality, cost, and customer service for the County.
--Procure building equipment and supplies as needed for facilities

Claims/Accounts Payable
--Review and keep record of monthly bills and claims against Facilities OMP, including all utility bills for all County buildings

Budget
--Develop and manage Facilities OMP budgets, including preparing and maintaining a yearly budget
--Create cost estimates for anticipated individual projects.
--Manage budgeted costs on projects as they occur.

Management Software System - Facility Dude
--Facility management software utilized by the County
--Work tickets are generated by county employees needing custodial or maintenance assistance. All work requests need to be submitted on a work request utilizing Dude Solutions software (FacilityDude).
--Work tickets are assigned to Facilities staff and/or contractors for work orders
--Additional "preventative maintenance" work tickets are also generated with FacilityDude for scheduled servicing/inspecting/upkeep.
--Once the work has been completed, the work tickets are closed out and a follow up email is sent to the requestor to let them know that the work has been completed
--Data is collected from the information inputted into FacilityDude and utilized for managing current costs and projecting future expenses/budgeting

"Facilities Planning" includes:

Planning, Design & Development
--Develop and implement one, two and six year department plans
--Small Scale - Develop and implement small scale adjustments to
existing spaces to keep space up to date and adequate for current
usage needs.
--Large Scale - Coordinate design, engineering and construction of all Capital improvements including new buildings, new additions to existing buildings, and remodels of existing buildings.
--Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federals laws and regulations related to buildings and grounds

Americans with Disablities Act

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Title II of the ADA requires that all public programs, services, and activities be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

BUFFALO COUNTY’S MISSION FOR ADA COMPLIANCE

Buffalo County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its programs, services, or activities. Buffalo County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. Buffalo County will make reasonable modifications to our policies or procedures when necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the modification would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or service or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. Buffalo County will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy.

BUFFALO COUNTY’S AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES (ADA) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

To ensure that the citizens of Buffalo County are provided access to the County’s programs, services, and activities without physical or administrative barrier, we have created the following policies and procedures:

Buffalo County ADA Notice to the Public

Buffalo County ADA Policy

Grievance forms are available upon request. Please contact the ADA Coordinator for the Grievance Form.

Reasonable Accommodation Request Forms are available upon request. Please contact the ADA Coordinator.

Website Accessibility Statement

BUFFALO COUNTY TRANSITION PLAN

The Buffalo County ADA Transition Plan was approved by the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday December 27, 2016.

The Buffalo County ADA Transition Plan: Phase 2 was approved by the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday December 26, 2017

ADA COORDINATOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Lynn Martin
1512 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847
lmartin@buffalocounty.ne.gov
(308) 236-1224

Assessor Calendar


Jan 01	Assessment of Real Property (Discovery, List, Value) 77-1301
Jan 01	Assessment of Personal Property (Discovery, List, Value) 77-1201
Jan 01	R R & Pub Serv req’d Report Non-Operating Property to Assessor. 77-606 & 77-801 & Calendar for Railroads & Public Service Entities.
Jan 01	Effective Date for Filing: Homestead Exemption Claimants MUST be (a) Owner of Record and (b) Occupy the homestead. (c) MUST be 65 or older.(d) Effective Date of Disability and Filing Status. 77-3502 77-3505
Jan 15	Mobile Home Court Owner et al files Report w Assessor 77-3706
Jan 31	Gov’l Subdivisions provide Assr Off w COPIES OF LEASES or descriptions of Leased property. 77-202.11
Jan 31	Deadline for county Board of Equalization to petition the Tax Equalization & Review Commission for use of a different approach to value rent-restricted housing projects. (LB 356) 77-1333
Feb 01	Assessor makes recommendations on permissive exemption applications Form 451. To Board of Equalization. Notice must be published in the paper, ten days prior to consideration of applications by the B O E that a list of organizations seeking permissive exemptions, legal descriptions, and Assessor recommendations is available in the Assessor’s Office. 77-202.01
Feb 01	Statements of Reaffirmation Form 451A do not need to be approved by the BOE only by Assessor. 77-202.01
Feb 01	Assr issues notice of approval / denial Beginning Farmer Exemption Form 1027 77-5209.02
Feb 01	Aircraft Report filed with Assessor. 77-1250.02
Feb 01	Last day P.T.A. provide counties w Printed Claim Forms and Address Lists of prior year applicants. 77-3510
Feb 01	First day for claimants to file NE Homestead Exemption App or Certification of Status. May fall on Feb 2 or 3 if Feb 1 is on Sat or Sun. 77-3512, 77-3513, 77-3514
Feb 28	Seeking Separate Taxation of IOLL & LAND File Form 402 Improvements on Leased Land Assessment Application 77-1376
Mar 01	Certify to P.T.A whether or not Ag & Hort Land are influenced by prices outside of the typical ag-hort land market. REG 17-003.03 If Special Valuation is used, must file specific information w P.T.A.. REG 11-005.04
Mar 01	Improvements owner on LEASED PUBLIC LAND may file Form 402P Improvements on Leased Public Land Assessment Application 77-1374
Mar 01	ASSR notifies governmental subdivisions of intent to tax property not used for public purpose and not paying an in lieu tax. 77-202.12
Mar 01	PTA submits report of active TIF to the legislature see Research Reports on web site. 18-2117.01
Mar 16	Deadline for written request for Extension of Time from PTA to file the County Abstract of Assessment for Real Property (Form 45) and the AVU Directive 09-1 & 77-1514
Mar 19	Must inspect-review portion of real property parcels in county so that all real property parcels are inspected-reviewed no less than every 6 years. March 19, 2014 completes first 6-Year cycle 77-1311.03
Mar 19	Complete the County Abstract of Assessment for Real Property (Form 45) with the PTA (and the Assessed Value Update (AVU)) 77-1301
Mar 19	Certify the County Abstract of Assessment for Real Property (Form 45) with the PTA (and the Assessed Value Update (AVU)) 77-1514
Aft Mar 19	Overvaluation or Undervaluation. After March 19 and before July 25 (Aug 10 when extension) report to B.O.E. any overvalued or undervalued property. 77-1315.01
Anytime	Duty to report to BOE all real property omitted from the assessment roll for the current or any former year except when such real property has changed ownership otherwise than by will, inheritance, or gift. 77-1317, 77-123, 77-124,
Anytime	Correct the tax rolls as provided in section 77-1613.02 for any real property listed on the Assessment roll but omitted from the tax roll. 77-1316.01
Anytime	BOE may meet at any time for correction of clerical errors defined in 77-128. 77-1507 (Clerical error means transposition of numbers, mathematical error, computer malfunction causing programming and printing errors, data entry error, items of real property other than land identified on the wrong parcel, incorrect ownership, or certification of an incorrect valuation to political subdivisions.) 77-128
Mar 25	Assessorr may submit written comments to P.T.A. that become part of R & O REG 17-003.04
Apr 01	If homestead exemption notices mailed on or before Feb 01 did not contain all of The statutorily required information a 2nd notice must be sent on/before April 01. 77-3513, 77-3514
Apr 01	If homestead exemption notices mailed on or before February 1 did not contain all of The statutorily required information, a 2nd notice must be sent on or before April 1 77-3513 77-3514
Apr 01	Last day to send a RE-APPLY reminder to eligible previous year homestead Exemption applicants. 77-3513, 77-3514
May 01	First-1/2 Real & Personal Property Taxes for Prior Year become delinquent 77-204
May 01	Deadline File Ne Personal Property Return & Schedule w/o penalty. 77-1229
May 01	Deadline w Agreement, File Form 775P &/or Form 312P Claim for P P Exemption & supporting schedules 77-4105 (2)(c ) & 77-5725 (7)(c)
May 01	First ½ of real & personal property taxes for prior assessment year become delinquent If unpaid in counties with less than 100,000 population. 77-204
May 01	Deadline Physician’s Certificate for LATE Homestead Exemption filing FORM 458L In counties less than 100,000 population. 77-3512, 77-3513, 77-3514.01
May 15	Last Day for T.E.R.C. to adjust the valuation of a class/sub-class of real property. 77-5028
May 30	Deadline TREA & ASSR file FORM 458X amended homestead exemption summary Certificate for tax loss previous year (NOTE: 458X may be filed reflecting changes based on income ANYTIME up to 3 years after the exemption year.) 77-3523 and 77-3517
May 31	School system of County Official may request corrections to school adjusted valuation due to tax list corrections of the prior assessment year. 79-1016
Jun 01	Assr publishes a notice in the newspaper CERTIFYING the (a) assessment roll is Complete, (b) notices of valuation changes have been mailed, and (c) stating the final date for filing protests with the B O E 77-1315
Jun 01	Freeholder files petition with local board (Assessor, Treasurer & Clerk) to have school districts changed which is contiguous to that land. 79-458(1)
Jun 1 - Jul25	B O E holds hearings to review property valuation PROTESTS 77-1502
Jun 5	If T.E.R.C. ordered changes, Assessor re-Certifies the Abstract with PTA 77-5029
Jun 6	Assr mails assessment sales ratio stats given by TERC to media & posts in office. 77-1315
Jun 15	Assr prepares a PLAN OF ASSESSMENT report for the next 3 years. 77-1311.02
Jun 30	Deadline for filing Homestead Exemption App or Certification Of Status, Form 458 77-3512
Jun 30	Deadline Late Application and Written Request B O E for Waiver of Late Filing for permissive exemptions Forms 451 or 451A 77-202.01
Jun 30	Deadline. SPECIAL VALUATION application Ag-Hort use. Form 456 77-1345
Jun 30	Deadline file property valuation protest with County Clerk (for BOE) 77-1502
Jun 30	Deadline P P Valuation Protest Returns filed Jan 1 thru May 1 with County Clerk 77-1502
Jun 30	Deadline. SPECIAL VALUATION application Ag-Hort use. Form 456 77-1345
Jun 30	Last day to add Personal Property value with a 10% Penalty 77-1233.04
Jul 01	Added Personal Property is subject to 25% Penalty from this date forward. 77-1233.04
Jul 15	ASSR approves-denies SPECIAL VALUATION apps; notifies applicant before July 22 77-1345.01
Jul 20	If deadline extension granted by B O E, new Deadline for filing Homestead Exemption App or Certification Of Status, Form 458 77-3512
Jul 20	County Assr electronically certifies the County Personal Property Abstract Report to the P.T.A. (beginning 2016) (LB 259) 77-1514
Jul 22	Assr notifies applicants of special valuation of approval or disapproval 77-1345.01
Jul 22	BOE sends notice of value change on Special Valued land if no notice previously Sent by Assr prior to June 1.
Jul 26	BOE petition T.E.R.C. for an adjustment to the valuation of a class/sub-class of property. (NOTE: If protest period extended, BOE waives right to petition.) 77-1504.01; 77-1502
Jul26-Aug24	Taxpayer file appeal of BOE to T.E.R.C. 77-1510 (NOTE: may file appeal to T.E.R.C. on/before Sep 10 for extended counties)
Jul 31	Last day ASSR send Notice of Rejection of Homestead Exemption Form 458R 77-3516
Jul 31	Assr files 3-Year Plan Of Assessment with the BOE 77-1311.02
Jul 31	Last day for Annexations Pol Subs for taxable value in current year. 13-509(NOTE: Annexation by Pol Subs on/after Aug 1 considered next year taxable)
Aug 01	Last day FORWARD approved Homestead Exemption Application or Certification of Status, Form 458, with Disability Certifications, Form 458B, or Veterans Affairs Letters, and Form 458 Schedule I – Income Statements to Tax Commissioner. 77-3517
Aug 01	Assr reviews ownership & use of all cemetery real property and reports to BOE. 77-202.10
Aug 01	Last Day Pol Sub submit request for LEVY ALLOCATION to BOE or CITY. 77-3443
Aug 01	CITY or Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) files NOTICE to Divide Tax For Comm Redevel Project (T I F) with the County Assr. 18-2147(3)
Aug 01	PTA certifies to T.E.R.C. the ASSR implemented the equalization orders. 77-5029
Aug 01	Tax Commissioner certifies Exempt P P for Employment & Investment Growth Act Form 775P and Nebraska Advantage Act Form 312P ; notifies Taxpayer and County Assessor. 77-4105; 77-5725(c)
Aug 02	County Clerk mails notice of B O E decisions to protestors. 77-1502(4)
Aug 10	Last Day T.E.R.C. act on BOE petition.. 77-1504.01
Aug 10	T.E.R.C. sets equalization rate for real property of Centrally Assessed Railroads and Public Service Entities. 77-5022
Aug 10	PTA certifies distributed taxable value of Centrally Assessed Property to Assessor. 77-5030
Aug 15	Approved Freeholder Petition filed on/before June 1 of current year become Effective. 79-458(3)
Aug 15	ASSR approves/denies Homestead Exemption based on Ownership or Occupancy From Jan 1 through Aug 15 77-3502
Aug 15	Deadline for Homestead Exemption to file an Application for Transfer Form 458T 77-3509.01
Aug 20	Certify taxable valuations & growth value to political subs. Certify current values For each T I F project to City or Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) and to Treasurer 13-509; 13-518; 18-2148
Aug 20	If T.E.R.C. orders changes for B O E petitions, ASSR re-certifies ABSTRACT (Form 45) to PTA 77-1504.01
Aug 24	Last day taxpayer appeals B O E decision to T.E.R.C. 77-1510
Aug 25	ASSR certifies School District Taxable Value Report to P.T.A.. 79-1016
Aug 31	Annual Inventory County Personal Property in custody of Assessor 23-347
Sep 01	Second-1/2 Real & Personal Property Taxes for Prior Year become delinquent 77-204
Sep 01	After B O E value adjustments, Assr determines AVERAGE RESIDENTAL VALUE For homestead exemption and certifies the Homestead Exemption Certification of Average Assessed Value of Single-Family Residential Property Form 458V to PTA 77-3506.02
Sep 01	No LEVY allocation change after this date except by agreement by LEVYING Authority and Political Subdivision. 77-3443
Sep 10	Where B O E extended Protest Hearings, Last day Protestor appeal BOE decision to T.E.R.C 77-1510
Sep 15	B O E last day for decision on Under or Over Valued Property 77-1504
Sep 15	P.T.A. certifies the amount of Real Property TAX CREDIT to State Treasurer and to each county. 77-4212
Sep 20	BUDGETS must be Final and Filed with the levying board and State Auditor. 13-508
Sep 30	ASSR may amend the School District Taxable Value Report for corrections or errors 79-1016
Sep 30	BOE publishes list of Permissive Exemptions and sends list and proof of publication To P.T.A. 77-202.03 (5)
Oct 1	Rent-Restricted Housing Projects file INCOME & EXPENSE STATEMENTSs and any Other Info requested by Assr with both Assr & Tax Commissioner. (LB 356). 77-1333
Oct 1	Rent-Restricted Housing Projects file INCOME & EXPENSE STATEMENTS and any Other Info requested by Assr with both Assr & Tax Commissioner. (LB 356). 77-1333
Oct 9	Last Day for voter approval to exceed LEVY limits or final allocation at election or “town hall meeting.” 77-3444
Oct 10	P.T.A. certifies the school adjusted valuations to Dept of Ed, School systems, and County Assessors. 79-1016
Oct 10	P.T.A.certifies the school adjusted valuations to Dept of Ed, School systems, and County Assessors. 79-1016
Oct 13	Political Subs forward resolution setting a tax request different from the prior year to County Clerk 77-1601.02
Oct 15	LEVY DATE Last day B O E to set tax rates/levies 77-1601
Oct 15	Last Day taxpayer file B O E appeal to T.E.R.C. re under or over valued property 77-1504
Oct 31	Assr submits 3-Year Plan and any Amendments to Dept of Revenue 77-1311.02
Nov	Rent-Restricted Hsg Projects Valuation Committee meets annually in November to Examine Rent-Restricted Hsg Projects statements & expense reports in order to Calculate a Market-derived Capitalization Rate. (LB 356) 77-1333
Nov 1	Last Day Tax Comm certifies qualified Homestead Exemption income determinations to the County Assessor. 77-3517
Nov 5	Last Day B O E correct levies/tax rates as a result of clerical error. 77-1601
Nov 10	Deadline school sys file appeal with Tax Comm for the School Adjusted Value Certified for use in the school aid formula. 79-1016
Nov 10	School Dis or County Off deadline file written request w Tax Comm correction school adjust value due to clerical error or SPECIAL VALUATION ADDITIONS 79-1016
Nov 15	Deadline. EXEMPT TO EXEMPT. For an org to file a permissive exempt application For property it purchased between July 1 and levy date previously exempt. 77-202.03
Nov 22	Deliver Signed WARRANT For Collection Of Taxes To Treasurer having completed the tax list for real and personal property. 77-1616
Nov 30	Deadline ASSR & TREA certify to P.T.A. Homestead Exemption Summary Certificate Form 458S for tax loss due to homestead exemptions for the current tax year.(Both signatures required) 77-3523
Nov 30	Deadline for ASSR & TREA certify electronically the Personal Property Tax Loss Summary Certificate for personal property exemption for locally assessed property(beginning 2016) (LB 259) 77-1239
Dec 01	Assr files Certificate of Taxes Levied (CTL) with P.T.A. 77-1613.01
Dec 01	City or CRA (Community Redevelopment Authority) files report with P.T.A. for approved tax increment financing projects (T I F) 18-2117.01
Dec 01	Last day Property Tax Administrator (P.T.A.) forwards copy of Rent-Restricted Housing Projects annual report by the Valuation Committee to ASSR for Cap Rate In determining value of rent-restricted housing projects. (LB 356) 77-1333
Dec 01	Deadline for ASSR to ensure sales data in state sales file is accurate and all sales Are included. Directive 12-05
Dec 31	Real Property & Personal Property Taxes Due – LIEN DATE 77-203
Dec 31	Permissive Exemption Application deadline For newly acquired property or in years divisible by four, file Exemption Application Form 451 For interim years, file Exemption Application Form 451A For example: File Form 451A by Dec 31, 2014 to reaffirm for assesssmt year 2015 File Form 451 by Dec 31, 2015 to apply for assessmt year 2016 (which is divisible by 4) 77-202.01; 77-202.03
Dec 31	Deadline. Form 1027 Exemption App Qual Beginning Farmer / Livestock Producer Must be filed with Assr on-before Dec 31 in the year preceeding year applied for.Exemption is for Personal Property tax on ag-hort machinery & equipment. 77-202.01; 77-5208; 77-5209.02
Dec 31	Deadline for taxpayer/owner to file Vacant or Unimproved Lot Application, Form 191To elect to have 2 or more lots held for sale/resale to be treated as one parcel for Property tax purposes. 77-132
Dec 31	Owner petition T.E.R.C. determine taxable status of real property – if a failure to give proper notice prevented the timely filing of a protest or appeal for exempt property.
Dec 31	Last Day for Tax Commissioner to review income and other information for the third Preceding year and take any action. 77-3517
May 01 & Sept 01	First 1 / 2 and 2nd 1 / 2, Real and Personal Property Taxes for prior assessment year Sept 01 become delinquent, if unpaid, in counties with a population less than 100,000 pop’n. 77-204

Permissive Exemptions

Property owned by religious, educational, charitable and cemetery organizations (or organizations organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of religious, educational, charitable and cemetery organizations, may obtain an exemption from property taxes in Nebraska, in whole or in part. There is a five-part test that must be met for the property to qualify. The test is:

The property must be owned by a religious, educational, charitable or cemetery organization;
The property must be used exclusively for religious, educational, charitable or cemetery purposes;
The property may not be used for gain or profit for the owner or the user;
The property may not be used for the sale of alcoholic liquor for more than 20 hours a week; and
The property may not be owned or used by an organization which discriminates in membership or employment based on race, color, or national origin.

All five parts of the test must be met for property to qualify for tax exemption in Nebraska. An organization simply holding a tax exempt certificate from the Internal Revenue Service does not qualify property owned by the organization in Nebraska for a property tax exemption.

Permissive exemptions require an annual application with the County Assessor. In the first year for which an exemption is sought and subsequent years divisible by four, the organization seeking the exemption must file a Form 451. In the years in which the Form 451 is not required, the organization must file a Form 451A with the Assessor’s Office. Regardless of which form is required, the applications must be filed with the Assessor’s Office on or before December 31 of the year prior to the year for which the exemption is sought.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact our office:
Phone: (308)236-1210
Email: assessor@buffalocounty.ne.gov

Permissive Exemption Forms
Form #	Form Title
451	Exemption Application
451A	Statement of Reaffirmation of Tax Exemption

Emergency Manager

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"PREPARE FOR THE WORST, HOPE FOR THE BEST"

Mission Statement: To provide a prepared and capable emergency management program for Buffalo County through training, community education and preparedness by providing information and education to the general public, area emergency responders and volunteers.

Values Statement: Emergency Management is by function and by Emergency Manager Darrin Lewis

law a cooperative effort on the part of all levels of government and the private sector. At the local level, Emergency Management is concerned with the protection and education of the public from the hazards and risks that affect them. The credibility of the program resides in the credibility of the program advocate. The Emergency Manager should exemplify the utility of the emergency management program.

The job of the Emergency manager is defined by law. It does however, have a moral basis. The emergency manager must balance the duties authorized and required by law with the moral obligation of the public employee to do everything possible to protect and preserve the safety of citizens in the city and county.

Emergency Management expresses a strong commitment to provide interagency cooperation and coordination of activities relating to mitigation of, prevention of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and emergencies.

The Emergency Manager's office is located in the Law Enforcement Center, 2025 Avenue A in Kearney, Buffalo County, Nebraska.

See the video below about things you can do at BeReadyNebraska.com!

Drug Court

Purpose:

The Central Nebraska Drug Court seeks to improve public safety, and reduce substance abuse and crime by providing offenders with appropriate treatment, intensive supervision and comprehensive judicial monitoring.

The Drug Court serves Adams, Buffalo, Hall, and Phelps Counties in Nebraska. It is administered by the District Courts of the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Districts.

What is the Central Nebraska Drug Court?

The Drug Court is a voluntary program created by the District Court that allows eligible defendants to earn a dismissal of charges in exchange for completing substance abuse treatment and other conditions.

Individuals eligible for the Drug Court will earn a dismissal of pending felony charges upon completion of the Drug Court program, a minimum of eighteen months in length.

The County Attorney must approve all requests for the Drug Court.

What are the Drug Court Requirements?

Each person’s requirements and conditions may be different depending on individual circumstances. However, the general requirements for everyone include:

Complete a comprehensive assessment with the Drug Court staff
Complete the substance abuse treatment recommended by the Drug Court staff
Attend regular appearances before the Drug Court Judge
Submit to regular drug testing
Pay a weekly program fee to the Drug Court
Pay part of the costs of treatment, based on ability to pay
Reside in a participating county while in the program
Maintain employment, attend school, or complete other conditions as directed by the Court or staff
Meet with the Drug Court staff
Pay any court costs due
Obey all laws

Who is eligible for the Drug Court?

Certain offenses will qualify for Drug Court, some will not. Generally, there must be no more than one prior felony conviction. The County Attorney must approve all applicants.

Also, the participant must acknowledge having a substance abuse problem and agree to complete drug and/or alcohol treatment. Applications for Drug Court must be made within thirty days after arraignment in District Court. The Judge must approve all petitions for admission to the Drug Court.

Who is NOT eligible for the Drug Court?

If charged with an ineligible offense, such as murder, manslaughter, robbery, felony assault, sexual assault, or assault with a deadly weapon
Prior felony conviction for a crime of violence
Prior or current offense involved the use or possession of a firearm or a dangerous weapon
Prior or current offense resulted in death or serious bodily injury
Current offense involved the use of force against a person
Two or more felony convictions
Multiple prior misdemeanors for crimes against a person, such as assault, domestic violence, resisting arrest, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or flight to avoid arrest

How to apply for the Drug Court

If you meet the eligibility criteria and want to apply for the Drug Court, consult with your attorney immediately.

General questions can be directed to:
Susan Huber
Problem Solving Court Coordinator
610 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847
Telephone: (308) 236-1240

Legal Resources

Access Nebraska – Apply Online for Nebraska Public Assistance Benefits

Adult and Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline – (800) 652-1999

Buffalo County Court

Buffalo County District Court

Buffalo County Public Defender
Jeff Wirth
215 West 18th St.
Kearney, NE 68845
Phone: (308) 236-1245
Fax: (308) 236-1255
The Buffalo County Public Defender represents all indigent defendants charged with felonies and misdemeanors in Buffalo County and District courts, if the penalty for the crime carries possible jail time.

Buffalo County Sheriff

Central Mediation Center

Child Welfare, Juvenile and Adult Protective Services gavel

Citizen’s Guide to Nebraska’s Courts in Arabic

Citizen’s Guide to Nebraska’s Courts in Spanish – EL SISTEMA JUDICIAL DE NEBRASKA

Citizen’s Guide to Nebraska’s Courts in Vietnamese

Get Your Game and Parks Hunting, Fishing, and Park Entry Permit

Family Advocacy Network

Financial Assistance Information

Glossary of Legal Terms

Human Services in Nebraska

Information on the Nebraska Court System in Spanish / Información en Español

Internet Legal Resources

Kearney City Code

Kearney Police Department

Legal Aid of Nebraska
Grand Island Service Office
207 West 3rd Street
Grand Island, NE 68801
Phone: (308) 381-0517 or (877) 250-2018

Legal Aid of Nebraska handles bankruptcy, disability benefits, divorce, custody, eviction, landlord/tenant, wills, contracts, tax problems, welfare benefits, domestic violence victims, assisting trouble with city, state, or federal bureaucracies, consumer, employment, education, juvenile, Indian and Tribal law, farm and ranch, migrant farm worker, and elder law. The agency DOES NOT handle criminal matters, represent incarcerated persons, or take workers compensation, personal injury, or probate/estate cases. Income qualifications apply.

Make Court Payments Online

Mid-Nebraska Community Action Partnership

National Do Not Call Registry

Nebraska Attorney General

The Nebraska BlueBook – Nebraska's official reference manual, with information about the state's government, geography, economy, history and culture.

Nebraska Board of Parole Lady Justice

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services

Nebraska Judicial Branch Self-Help Center – General information, assistance, and links to other sites.

Nebraska Liquor Control Commission

Nebraska Office of Probation Administration

Nebraska State Bar Association

Nebraska State Bar Association Free Legal Information

Nebraska State Patrol

Nebraska State Statutes Online – Search or browse the Nebraska Constitution and Statutes

Nebraska Volunteer Lawyers Project – Lawyer referrals

Pay Your Traffic Citation Online

Professional Ethics for Judges

Professional Ethics for Lawyers

Renew Your Automobile License Plates

Renew Your Driver’s License

Rules of the Nebraska Supreme Court

Small Claims Court

Uniform Rules of the Nebraska District Courts

WIC Program

Child Support

Please understand, the Division represents the State of Nebraska. We cannot represent people who owe child support, nor give legal advice, nor assist you in selecting an attorney. Consult your local yellow pages or other resources for attorneys who practice in this field.

Purpose:

The Child Support Enforcement Division prosecutes individuals civilly for payment of their child support obligations. Under appropriate circumstances, the Buffalo County Attorney's Office criminally prosecutes non-payers of child support.

Nebraska has centralized child support collection and disbursement. All child support payments must be sent to the Nebraska Child Support Payment Center to ensure prompt processing:

Nebraska Child Support Payment Center
P.O. Box 82600
Lincoln, NE 68501-2600
Or online at www.nebraskachildsupport.com.

The Nebraska Child Support Call Center is your source for information and the latest updates about your child support case: (877) 631-9973.

Requests for review and modification of child support orders at least three years old may be made to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 831-4573. If calling from outside Nebraska, call (402) 471-9103. Or online at www.dhhs.ne.gov/cse/cseindex.htm.

Businesses which are under court order to withhold child support and/or spousal support payment from the payroll of their employees should send payments to:
Kissing baby

Nebraska Child Support Payment Center
P.O. Box 82890
Lincoln, NE 68501-2890

About Child Support Enforcement:

The Nebraska Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Program is designed to locate non-custodial parents and obtain financial support for their children. The Nebraska CSE Program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. CSE provides the following services:

Locate non-custodial parents
Establish paternity
Establish and enforce medical support
Enforce and collect support payments

All parents with minor children who would like child support services are eligible. The CSE Program works closely with these agencies:

Nebraska Department of Administrative Services
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Nebraska Department of Revenue
District and County Courts
Nebraska Department of Labor
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Federal Parent Locator Service
Sheriffs
Child Support agencies in all states
Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement
Credit Reporting Agencies
Nebraska Payment Center

The same location resources and services are available in all states. Interstate cases are more difficult and generally take longer. However, with new federal legislation and more computer links between states, interstate enforcement of child support is improving.
Holding a child

If you are ordered to pay child support:

All payments must be made to:
Nebraska Child Support Payment Center
P.O. Box 82600
Lincoln, NE 68501-2600
If you pay the other party directly, you may not receive credit for the payment.
Child support payments are due on the first of each month and are delinquent the next day. Interest is charged on the delinquent amount after 30 days.
Income withholding will be implemented in all cases involving child support whether there is delinquency or not (including unemployment withholding).
You MUST pay child support regardless of custody or visitation issues.
Health insurance MUST be provided for the child(ren) if ordered by the Court.
If you have more than one order or judgment, your payments will be allocated between them. You cannot select which obligation to pay.
Not paying child support can result in:
- State and Federal Income Tax Intercepts
- Drivers License Suspension
- Suspend Professional Licenses
- Suspend Eligibility For Hunting and Fishing Licenses
- A Report to Credit Agencies
- Denial of Your Passport
- Lottery Prize Intercept
- Liens/Seizure of Property
- Seizure of Bank Accounts
- Criminal Charges
- Jail

If you are ordered to receive child support:

You can apply for child support services by contacting your local Health and Human Services office or County Attorney.
If you or your child(ren) are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments, the child support will be assigned to the State of Nebraska.
DO NOT accept child support payments directly from the non-custodial parent. All payments must be made through the Nebraska Child Support Payment Center in order to be properly credited.
If the non-custodial parent has more than one order or judgment, all payments received will be allocated proportionately between them.
Your court order may contain language prohibiting you from removing the child(ren) from the State without the Court’s consent. It is your responsibility to know what the Court’s order says and to comply with it. Failing to do so may result in the suspension or termination of child support.
Visitation cannot be withheld for non-payment of child support. Withholding visitation can:
- Affect your child’s well-being
- Result in a finding of contempt of court
- Put you in jail

Did you know…?

Child support is due through the month that the child turns 19.
Employers who fail to comply with incoming withholding notices or who punish or dismiss employees as a result of income withholding are subject to legal action.
The County Attorney (or authorized attorney) represents the State and the best interests of the child. No client/attorney relationship exists.
Either party in an action for child support can request that the case be reviewed for possible modification every three years by contacting Health and Human Services, Child Support Enforcement, Review and Modification Unit at (800) 831-4573.
Establishing paternity enables your child(ren) to have access to important family medical history as well and financial and emotional support.

If you need further assistance or have questions regarding Child Support Enforcement, contact your local County Attorney or call the Nebraska Child Support Customer Service Call Center at (877) 631-9973. Or write to:
HHS-CSE
            P.O. Box 94728
            Lincoln, NE 68509
            www.hhs.state.ne.us/cse/cseindex.htm.

Child Support Enforcement FAQ

Do you charge for your services?
There is a $25.00 annual fee for child support enforcement services, but you will not be billed or asked to pay the fee directly. Instead, the fee is collected out of child support payments made by the person owing the child support. The fee is collected in cases where at least $500.00 per fiscal year (Oct. 1-Sept. 30) in child support is collected. Under no circumstances will parents who are receiving state aid be required to pay a service fee.

What services do you offer?
We offer paternity establishment services, as well as enforcement services for existing child support, spousal support, and medical support orders.

Must I live in Buffalo County to make use of your services? Baby in carseat

If you are a Nebraska resident applying for paternity services, you should contact the child support office in the county where you live. That would typically be your local County Attorney’s Office. If you live in Buffalo County, contact us at the address above. If, on the other hand, you live in another county and have a support order already existing, you should contact the child support office in the county where that order exists, even if you have moved to another county since then. If you child support order comes from another state, you may either work through your local county child support office, or contact the child support office in the other state directly.

Do you handle custody or visitation issues?
No. State law prohibits us from assisting on these issues. You should contact private counsel to assist you, or contact Legal Aid of Nebraska to see if you qualify for their services. Some employers offer legal insurance plans, much like medical insurance, so check to see if your employer offers such assistance.

I was previously ordered to pay child support, but now my child lives with me. Can you stop my child support order, and help me get a new one where the other parent pays me instead?
Only a court can legally change an existing child custody order. Courts determine what is in the “best interests” of the child when they issue a custody order, and parents cannot agree between themselves to override a judicial determination. A child support enforcement office is not authorized to become involved with custody determination issues. You should consult a private attorney to assist you.

The other parent of my children has a violent temper, and has threatened to hurt me and/or our children if I pursue them for child support. What can you do to help me?
We are very aware that many couples separate because of domestic violence issues. Your safety, and the safety of your children, is our #1 concern. Everyone who applies for child support or paternity services, whether through an HHS caseworker or directly with our office, will be asked about this potential problem. If you tell us you are concerned about the potential for family violence, we will give your case special treatment. Each case is handled on its own set of facts. A decision may even be made not to pursue the other parent due to the threat of his or her becoming abusive to you or your children.

If you have immediate concerns about possible violence to you or your children, we urge you to call 911. Otherwise, contact the SAFE Center.

I already have an existing child support order, but now the noncustodial parent is making much more money. Can my support order be modified to have the other parent pay me more support?
Yes. Whenever (1) there is a material change in financial circumstances of a parent who is ordered to pay support, (2) the change of financial circumstances was unforeseen at the time your support order was entered, (3) the change in circumstances has lasted at least three months, and is expected to last at least six additional months, and (4) the modification request is processed through the HHS Review & Modification office, your support order may qualify for modification. A “material change in financial circumstances” usually means an increase or decrease of support by at least 10% but not less than $25.00. If you (or the other parent) continue to live in Nebraska, and if your order is at least 3 years old, you may ask the State to process your request for a modification free of charge. Contact the HHS Review & Modification office at (800) 831-4573 for more information, or see Creating or Changing a Court Order. If your order is less than three years old, or if neither parent continues to reside in Nebraska, you would be responsible for pursuing your modification request on your own, with your own attorney. See the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines for more information.

I am ordered to pay child support, but I no longer earn as much as I used to, and I have been unable to find similar employment that pays as much as my old job. Can I get my child support reduced on account of my earning less now?
Possibly. Child support can be modified either upward or downward if the circumstances justify it. Generally, child support may not be reduced unless the parent who is ordered to pay support suffers a long-term reduction in their earning capacity or income through no fault of their own. Examples of this would include corporate downsizing, the elimination of specialized work that cannot easily be replaced at the same pay level, or a medical disability or injury that occurs to the parent who pays support. Incarceration is, by itself, usually not considered to be valid grounds for a reduction in child support.

If you believe you qualify for a support reduction, and want to expedite the matter, you should contact a private attorney to assist you in your efforts. Otherwise, you (or the other parent) may contact the HHS Review & Modification office at (800) 831-4573 for further assistance free of charge.

How long does it take to have a support order modified?
Every case is unique, but from the time contact with the HHS Review & Modification office is initiated until the time that the court has a final hearing on a request to modify child support of child support, nine to 12 months may pass. Typically the first three to four months of the time is taken up in the HHS review process. If the case meets a preliminary finding that a modification is appropriate, the request will be transferred by HHS to the local child support office for further review, and the possible filing of a complaint to modify support. Depending upon any delays in obtaining court service of process on the other parent, delays caused by legal motions or court scheduling issues, the modification case should be ready for trial and decision about four to six months after it is filed.

Why can I not call your office directly to discuss my case?
Several years ago Nebraska, like all 50 states, went to a centralized customer call center. This center is staffed by highly trained personnel who are able to immediately answer or assist about 90% of all callers. Most calls are of a “routine” nature, such as checking to see if payments have been credited, wanting to confirm court hearing dates, providing a change of address, employer or phone number. Whenever necessary, the call center will electronically contact a local child support office with a customer concern that needs additional attention. Some of those calls do lead to phone contact between local staff and our customers. By answering 90% of caller questions, the call center frees up valuable time for the local child support workers to perform their duties on an uninterrupted basis, adding to their productivity. It is a “win-win” arrangement for everyone. Call the Child Support Call Center at (877) 631-9973, or the HHS Review & Modification office at (800) 831-4573.

My case is classified as “Interstate” in nature, because I live in a different state from the other parent. Does this mean that I will not be able to get the help I need?
No, definitely not. It is true that interstate cases often take longer to work successfully than cases where everyone still lives locally. About 15-20% of our caseload is interstate. In most of those cases our staff will need to work with other child support offices, sometimes in more than one other state, in order to secure the cooperation necessary to establish a new support order, or enforce an existing order. The extra “hoops” that must be jumped through mean that legal actions do take longer to complete. We have found that many other child support offices are overstretched in terms of personnel and funding, and thus are unable to assist us as quickly as they might like. In addition, sometimes when parents leave one state they move in order to evade their child support orders. Some people become very good at hiding from law enforcement. Fortunately, our tools for finding them continue to get better all the time as well.

What sanctions are used to force parents to pay their child support? Children in grass

Most parents with child support orders pay regularly. Most do so on their own; others need a degree of prompting. Income withholding, civil contempt of court, license suspension, bank account seizure, passport denial, tax refund intercept, and even criminal actions are among the more readily used tools at our disposal to enforce terms of court orders. The simplest, quickest and least expensive enforcement techniques are used first, and often get the results we seek.

I owe child support, but I never get to see my child. Why should I have to pay support when I do not get the parenting time I deserve?
Nebraska law is clear: An obligation to pay child support is completely separate and distinct from the right to exercise parenting time. The failure to obtain court ordered parenting time (sometimes called visitation) does NOT justify the non payment of support. Also, the failure to receive child support does NOT justify a refusal to allow the other parent to exercise their court ordered parenting time. Just as our judges will not tolerate persons who willfully fail to pay their support on time, those same judges will not tolerate parents who refuse to allow the other parent court ordered parenting time with their children. The method of enforcing a problem with parenting time is to take the other parent back to court for allegedly being in contempt of the court order. A private attorney can provide needed expertise to accomplish this task.

What is the age of emancipation in Nebraska?
Emancipation age in Nebraska is presently 19, and child support must be paid until the month and year the child reaches that age. In most other states the age of emancipation is 18. Some states (not Nebraska) allow for support orders to continue beyond the age of the child’s emancipation if the child is still a full time high school student. Look to the language in your support order to see how long your child support is to continue.

Bad Checks

Purpose:
The Division is responsible for processing and follow-up investigation of any Non-Sufficient Funds or Account Closed checks that are submitted for criminal prosecution.

Victims of bad checks, who are considering criminal prosecution of a suspected bad check writer, must submit the original check(s) in question, or what is provided to them by the bank, along with the statutorily-mandated fee of $10.00 per check.

Should the victim so desire, a criminal arrest warrant may be issued for the check writer. In order to successfully prosecute bad check offenders, it is necessary that we receive certain information about the bad check writer. This increases our chances of proving the case in court and obtaining full restitution for the victim.

You may establish your own business or personal procedures regarding what types of checks you will accept. For purposes of criminal prosecution, however, you should not accept a check from any individual who cannot produce a valid photo identification that matches the account name on the check. The most helpful information for merchants to note on a check they are receiving is the date of birth of the individual, and the driver’s license number with issuing state. This information should always be written on the check by the merchant’s employee rather than the check writer. Your employee should also note that they compared the photo ID to the check writer with a notation such as, “I.D. checked.” Furthermore, your employee should note their own initials on the check to identify the employee who received the check. This is necessary because it is often most difficult to prove in court the person who wrote the bad check is the same as the person charged with the crime.

To help us collect the information, please complete our Request for Criminal Prosecution on Bogus Checks form. The information is vital to obtain an arrest warrant and prove the identity of the issuer of the bad check. Although we take the initial steps toward obtaining restitution for you, without your cooperation we may not be able to prosecute the case.

Please contact our office at (308) 236-1289 if you have questions.

Marriage License

Requirements for a marriage license issued by Buffalo County:

1.	Applicants must be at least 17 years of age to be married in the state of Nebraska. Parental consent is required for applicants who are 17 or 18 years of age. The parental consent forms are available at the County Clerk's office.
2.	Both applicants must appear together at the County Clerk's office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
3.	The fee for a marriage license is $25.00, CASH ONLY. (See our ATM locations in the courthouse.)
4.	Must present photo identification. A valid driver's license from any U.S. state, Nebraska ID card, U.S. Passport, U.S. Military card, or a Foreign passport are acceptable forms of photo identification. All documents will be in English or translated by a certified court translator. Proof of citizenship or immigration status is neither relevant or required.
5.	Need to know birthplace for both applicants.
6.	Need to know full names and birthplaces of parents.
7.	If a social security number has been issued to the applicants, we will need that information. The issuance of a social security number to either applicant is not required to obtain a Marriage License.
8.	If there were any previous marriages we will need to know how they ended (divorce, annulment or death) and the date the divorce was final or the date of death. If there is a previous divorce, a new license will not be issued and you cannot remarry until at least six (6) months and one (1) day have passed from the date the Decree was signed by the judge and filed with District Court.
9.	The Marriage License is good for one year from the date of issuance and can be used in any County in Nebraska.
10.	All marriage licenses obtained in Nebraska are public record.

Marriage License Application

All marriage licenses obtained in Nebraska are public record.

For information about scheduling the Buffalo County Court Magistrate to conduct a marriage ceremony, contact Sharmin Gonzales at sharmin.gonzales@nejudicial.gov or 308-236-1229.

Wedding Rings

Certified copy of a Buffalo County marriage license

To Receive a Buffalo County certified marriage license either stop by the clerk’s office with $9.00 cash or send a $9.00 money order and the following information:

Name of Applicant A/Groom
Name of Applicant B/Bride (including maiden name)
Date of marriage (Must be issued from Buffalo County)

Mail to:
Buffalo County Clerk
PO Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848-1270

If you have any questions, contact us by:
Phone: (308) 236-1226
E-mail: clerk@buffalocounty.ne.gov

wedding

Changing name after the wedding

This is a personal decision. You may choose to keep your name but if you decide to change your name legally, you should do the paperwork as soon as possible after you're married (or after your honeymoon). Many entities will require you to present a certified copy of your marriage license as proof of legal status to make your name change. Photocopies and keepsakes are not recognized by most government offices as proof of marriage. The following is a list of what may need to be updated.

Social Security Card (require certified copy)
Bank, credit union, and investment accounts
Vehicle title/registration
Driver's license (require certified copy)
Mortgage
Homeowner's insurance
Life insurance
Car insurance
Medical and dental records
Credit cards and files
Deeds and property titles
Passport
Voter registration card
IRS forms
Church records
Mail and newspaper subscriptions
Employer/payroll
Post office
Your attorney (to update legal documents, will)
Military records
Utilities/Subscriptions

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THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.

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)

LEPC Useful Links

City of Kearney

Buffalo County
- Emergency Manager
- Sheriff's Office

Tox Town - An interactive guide to commonly encountered toxic substances
Emergency Response Guide
EMPG Training Video
- MPG format - 75.5 MB
- WMV format - 153 MB

Emergency Food & Water Supply

If a tornado, ice storm, winter storm or other disaster ever strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days. By taking a little time now to store emergency food and water supplies, you can provide for your entire family.

WATER: THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY
Stocking water reserves should be among your top priorities in preparing for an emergency. You should store at least a three-day supply of water for each member of your family. Everyone's needs will differ, depending upon age, physical condition, activity, diet and time of year. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day, but the heat of summer can cause a person to need double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will also need more. You will need additional water for food preparation and hygiene, so it is recommended that you store a total of at least one gallon per person, per day.

How To Store Emergency Water Supplies
You can store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances, because tiny amounts may remain in the container's pores. Sound plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best.

Before storing your water, treat it with a preservative, such as chlorine bleach, to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Use liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite and no soap. Add four drops of bleach per quart of water (or two scant teaspoons per 10 gallons), and stir. Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place.

Another method to store water is to simply purchase bottled water and leave the seals intact, but remember to rotate your water every six months or as date stamped on the bottles.

Hidden Water Sources in Your Home
If a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use water in your hot-water tank, in your plumbing and in ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl), but purify it first (described later).

Water beds hold up to 400 gallons, but some water beds contain toxic chemicals that are not fully removed by many purifiers. If you designate a water bed in your home as an emergency resource, drain it yearly and refill it with fresh water containing two ounces of bleach per 120 gallons.

To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the highest faucet in your house and draining the water from the lowest one.

To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.

Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll need to shut if off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.

Family Disaster Supply Kit
It's 2:00 a.m. and a railroad derailment has caused officials to order an evacuation of half of the community. There's no time to gather food from the kitchen, fill bottles with water, grab a first-aid kit from the closet and snatch a flashlight and a portable radio from the bedroom. You need to have these items packed and ready in one place before disaster hits.

Pack at least a three-day supply of food and water, and store it in a handy place. Choose foods that are easy to carry, nutritious and ready-to-eat. In addition, pack these emergency items:

Medical supplies and first aid manual
Hygiene supplies
Portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries
Shovel and other useful tools
Money and matches in a waterproof container
Fire extinguisher
Blanket and extra clothing
Infant and small children's needs (if appropriate)

FOOD: PREPARING AN EMERGENCY STOCKPILE
If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.

If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don't stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

You don't need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar foods are important. They can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress. Also, canned foods won't require cooking, water or special preparation. The following are recommended short-term and long-term food storage plans.

Storage Tips

Keep food in the driest and coolest spot in the house, a dark area if possible.
Keep food covered at all times.
Open food boxes or cans carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use.
Wrap cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight containers.
Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight cans to protect them from pests.
Inspect all food containers for signs of spoilage before use.

Short-Term Food Supplies
Even though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your food supply for a week, you should prepare a supply that will last that long. A supply that will last for a week can relieve a great deal of inconvenience and uncertainty until services are restored.

The easiest way to develop a stockpile is to increase the amount of basic foods you normally keep on your shelves. Remember to compensate for the amount you eat from other sources (such as restaurants) during an average week.

You may already have a supply of food on hand that will last for a week. Keeping it fresh is simple. Just rotate your supply once or twice a year.

Special Considerations to Keep in Mind
As you stock food, take into account your family's unique needs and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking are best.

Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will babies, toddlers and the elderly. Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for the ill or elderly.

Make sure you have a can opener and disposable utensils. And don't forget nonperishable foods for your pets.

How to Store Your Short-Term Stockpile
Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly cool--not above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and not below freezing.

Rotate your food supply. Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.

How to Cook if the Power Goes Out
For emergency cooking you can use your propane or charcoal grill or camp stove outdoors only. Canned food can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat it in the can, be sure to open the can and remove the label first.

Nutrition Tips
In a crisis, it will be vital that you maintain your strength. So remember:

Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day.
Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (two quarts a day).
Take in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work.

Links & Resources for Veterans

[Note: All external links will open in a new browser window]

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Center for Women Veterans

Department of Veteran Affairs Web site

Education - GI Bill

FOIA

Forms

Home Loan Guaranty Services

Homelessness Among Veterans

Life Insurance Program

National Cemetery Administration

National Center for PTSD

Office of General Counsel

Office of Inspector General

Presidential Memorial Certificates

Spinal Cord injury

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Center

Poll Worker Information

Have you ever considered serving as a poll worker?
If you have the following qualifications you would make an excellent poll worker!

P atriotic American Flag

O rganized
L aw-abiding
L iterate

W illing
O ptimistic
R esponsive
K ind
E nergetic
R esourceful

Every two years the Buffalo County Election Office must appoint an election board to serve in each precinct on Election Day. A poll worker must be a Buffalo County registered voter and able to work on Election Day from approximately 7:00 a.m. to approximately 8:00 - 8:30 p.m. The appointment is for a two-year term and you will be expected to work at every election in that term. If an emergency comes up and you are not able to work, you will need to call the election office to be replaced.

Poll Worker Application

Once appointed, even if you volunteer, poll workers have the same civil leave protection as those who serve on jury duty. Your employer must allow you the time to serve without threat of loss of personal or holiday pay, sick leave, loss of overtime pay, or any other form of penalty for absence from work when serving as an election official.

Should you decide to become a poll worker, you will be expected to attend a training class prior to the next election.

Election Hours - The inspector will inform you of the time you are required to report to the polling place (usually 7:00 a.m.). You may leave as soon as the work is finished after the polls close at 8:00 p.m.

Physical Requirements with or without accommodations
1. Good eye sight and hearing.
2. Able to sit from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
3. Inspectors must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.

Pay Scale - Election judges and clerks are paid $13 per hour and Inspectors are paid $14 per hour. Rural Inspectors picking up and returning election supplies will receive mileage at whatever the current IRS rate is at the time of the election.

Training - A training session is held prior to each Primary and General election. This is held approximately 1 week before the election date and lasts about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Poll workers will be given a manual at training and paid a set amount of $30 for attending the training. Payment will be made when your check is issued for working the election.

Poll Worker Training Manual Coming in 2026
Voter ID Video
ExpressVote - Setup & voting Opening the ExpressVote and Voting
How to vote on the Expressvote - essvote.com/blog/video/video-expressvote-how-to-vote/
ExpressVote - Closing Closing the ExpressVote

Inspectors - Inspectors are in charge of the polling place election day. They are responsible for supervising board members and informing the election office if any of the board members are not adequately performing their duties. Prior to each election, the Inspectors pick up the supplies, check the polling place, make sure all necessary arrangements are made for election day and call their board members to inform them of election day plans. Election supplies are returned by the inspectors to the Election Office as soon as the polls close.

If you have questions, please contact the Election Commission at 308-236-1233.

State Benefits

The Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs offers the following benefits for those veterans who are eligible:

Nebraska Veterans Homes soldiers
Nebraska Veterans Aid
Registration of DD214s
Veterans Employment Preference
Tuition Waiver, Homestead Exemption, Permanent Hunting and Fishing Licenses (special eligibility)
Grave Registration
State Service Officers (benefits counselors/advocates)

The Buffalo County Veterans Service Office offers benefits counseling, advocacy and assistance with the application for State of Nebraska benefits.

The following are phone contacts for the Nebraska Department of Veteran's Affairs:

Nebr. Dept. Veterans Affairs
Phone: (402) 471-2458

State Service Office
Phone: (402) 420-4021

Central Nebraska Veterans Home
Phone: (308) 865-6000

Veterans Home Norfolk
Phone: (402) 370-3330

Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home
Phone: (402) 595-2180

Western Nebraska Veterans Home
Phone: (308) 632-0300

Weed Control

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Duties of the Weed Control: Administrate over department, assist taxpayers on weed control issues and plant identification, enforcement of State Weed Laws, prepare and submit all required annual reports to Nebraska Department of Agriculture, oversee commercial and enforcement of spraying operations done by the Weed District, and direct safety training of department employees.

Office Hours:
Monday -- Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Noxious Weed Complaint Form for Buffalo County:
If a complaint needs to be filed with Buffalo County Weed Control you must use this noxious weed complaint form when filing a complaint against a landowner. The form MUST be filled out completely for us to follow through with a complaint. If you have any questions, please call 308-236-1244 during office hours.

Below are photos of noxious weeds in Nebraska. If you want additional information about each weed, see the Nebraska Department of Agriculture website.

Canada Thistle	Japanese Knotweed	Leafy Spurge
Musk Thistle	Phragmites	Plumless Thistle
Purple Loosestrife	Saltcedar	Spotted & Diffuse Knapweeds
Sericia Lespedeza

PlayCleanGo.org

Federal Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers the following benefits for those veterans who are eligible: soldier saluting flag

Burial Benefits
Service Connected Compensation
Non-service Connected Pension
Life Insurance
VA Home Loan Guarantee
Veterans Employment Preference
Vocational Rehabilitation
Education
Medical Care

VA Forms Online

The Buffalo County Veterans Service Office offers benefits counseling, advocacy and assistance with the application for these federal benefits.

Highway

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There are approximately 962 square miles in Buffalo County. Within this area there are 1500 miles of road: 112.3 miles are County oil or concrete roads. There are 342 bridges over 20 feet in the County. There are also 242 bridges that are 20 feet and under which are not considered bridges but are classified as culverts because of the constricted water flow.
highway

There are 41 full time employees and during the summer months we employ three to four more people. In addition to the Highway Superintendent, there are: one assistant Highway Superintendent, two clerical, two foremen, 19 maintainer operators, five heavy equipment operators, one sign man, one welder, two mechanics, one mechanic assistant and eight truck driver/operators.

We also have a large inventory of machines and equipment valued at $9,143,598.00. This includes 21 maintainers, one crane, three backhoes, four loaders, 43 pickups and trucks and a considerable number of other pieces of equipment.

We have an excellent communication system which includes 2-way radios which are used extensively. They save many miles of driving and enable people to communicate from one corner of the county to the other. They have saved many maintainer men from having to walk for help after having a flat tire, being stuck in a snowstorm or any other emergency type situation. Our foremen also have cellular phones.

We have 2-way radios in all the maintainers, office, loaders and in a majority of our other equipment. The radios also give us communication with the Sheriff’s Department an the County Surveyor. The telephone system gives us easier communication with the Sheriff’s Department, Surveyor, other County Courthouse offices and also the City of Kearney offices by dialing just four digits.

country road
Buffalo County is divided into 26 Townships. We have divided the townships into Zones 1 through 26. We bid gravel once a year. The bid period is from April 1 of one year to March 31 of the following year.

Buffalo County went to the GEO Base Addressing System and signs were installed in 1997. This system makes finding a resident faster in an emergency type situation.

Sheriff

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How to enter the Detention Center

"Serving Buffalo County with the assistance of our citizens!" Sheriff Neil Miller

Mission Statement: "The mission of the Buffalo County Sheriff's Department is to enhance the quality of life in our county by working cooperatively with the public and within the framework of the U.S. Constitution to enforce the law, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment for all of our citizens."

Department Structure: The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office is organized into two divisions, Operations and Support Services, under the direction of the Sheriff who is elected for a four (4) year term. The Operations Division consists of Civil Process, Warrant Section, Investigative Section, and Patrol Section and is currently managed by a Captain. The Support Services Section consists of the Sheriff's
Staff Section, Community Services Section, Training Section, Communications Section, and Detention Center Section and is currently managed by the Chief Deputy.
Social Media:

LOCATION: The department offices are located at 2025 Avenue A in Kearney, Buffalo County, Nebraska.

Regular business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

A unique joint venture with the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office and the Kearney Police Department was formed in July 1993 when both agencies co-located to a remodeled building in downtown Kearney. By sharing resources, both agencies save taxpayers' money as well as establishing a good working relationship between the agencies and their employees.

The Sheriff's office oversees the dispatch duties and answers 911 calls for officers of both agencies.

The Police Department oversees the records and data processing functions for both agencies.

The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office responds to calls that occur in the county (outside of Kearney city limits). The Kearney Police Department responds to calls that occur within the city limits.

Both agencies assist each other as needed as well as working with law enforcement officers from other local jurisdictions in Buffalo County, Public Safety at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and the Nebraska State Patrol.

Civilian fingerprinting is available by Buffalo County Sheriff's Office. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

1) Call 308-236-1804 to schedule an appointment, Monday - Friday, 8:30-11:00 am and 1:00 - 4:00 pm.
2) Fee is $20.
3) Do not come if experiencing any symptoms that include.
a) fever of above 100 F
b) shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

For Emergencies: Dial 911

2022 PREA Audit

2023 PREA Annual Report

Board of Commissioners

Buffalo County is under the Commissioner form of County Government. The County is divided into seven districts. A person from each district is elected to serve on the County Board by the voters in that district.

County Commissioners serve terms of four years each. A Commissioner may serve as many terms as he/she wishes. The Commissioner’s terms are staggered - four Commissioners are elected in one election year and the other three Commissioners are then elected in the second year.

A Commissioner must be a resident of the district they are elected to represent. If they should move away from their district during their term, they must resign their seat on the County Board. The annual salary for the office of the County Board of Commissioners will be established at $38,538.00 for calendar year 2024. Chairman of the Board will receive $200.00 per month additional pay. The Commissioners are also allowed a mileage expense of $0.67 per mile when conducting County business away from their home.

By law, the County Board is required to meet only once a year, which is on the 2nd Tuesday following the first Thursday in January. The Buffalo County Board chooses to conduct its meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. These meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. and are open to the public. Minutes from each meeting are published in the Kearney Hub & on the Buffalo County website. During the first meeting of each year, the County Board elects a Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board.

In general, the County Board is the representative and guardian for the County. The County Board is the agency, which in official matters, acts for and on behalf of the County. The County Board derives its functions from the Legislature and its powers are prescribed by Statutes enacted by the Legislature

Buffalo County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite you to read our Affirmative Action Plan.

Chairman – Sherry Morrow

Vice-Chairman – Bill D. Maendele

[ View all ]

County Clerk

Office Functions:

• County Board agenda, minutes, and records

• Employee payroll and benefits
- Payroll Dates

Payroll Dates 2025

• Accounts payable
- Claim Dates

Claim Dates 2025

• Marriage licenses

• Other licenses including liquor, tobacco, locksmith, and waste hauler

Fees:

Marriage license	$25.00
Certified copy	$9.00
Reprint Fees	$10.00
Filing of military discharge	No fee
Miscellaneous filings	$5.00 per page
Tobacco license (County)	$10.00 per year
Waste Hauler permits	$10.00 for application, $5.00 for each vehicle
Liquor license	Depends on class of permit

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Disclaimer Statement

NOTICE
The information provided by this service resides on a computer system funded by the County of Buffalo, Nebraska. Anyone using this service consents to the monitoring of their use of this service by the computer system providers, authorized County of Buffalo, Nebraska employees, as well as security or law enforcement personnel. Communications made through this service's electronic mail and Messaging system shall, in no way be deemed to constitute a filing with or legal notice to the County of Buffalo or any of its agencies, departments, authorities, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives, with respect to any existing or potential claim or cause of action against the County or any of its agencies, departments, authorities, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives, where notice to the County is required by any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation.

Government Offices can only accept written documents for filing into official government records unless specific statutory language authorizes filings done by other than written medium.

PRIVACY POLICY
The protection of individual privacy is a concern to Buffalo County. Buffalo County has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate its firm commitment to privacy. The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices for this site.

Information You Provide to Us:
Buffalo County does not keep any personal information about you or your visit to our Internet site unless you have specifically supplied it to us. If you may have supplied us with information as part of a request for information or to e-file an appeal of your Board of Property Assessment decision. This also applies to any feedback or on-line survey information you may have sent us through our website. In cases where you have supplied us with information, including financial data, we will treat such information in accordance with the requirements of the law. This means that it will be treated in the same way as written forms of communication, and in many instances it will be considered public information available to the public upon request. To the extent allowed by law, Buffalo County will make reasonable attempts to protect personal financial information from disclosure.

Public Disclosure:
As a general rule, Buffalo County does not disclose any personally identifiable information collected online except where you have given us permission or where the information is public information under the Nebraska Public Records Act et seq., or other applicable laws. Visitors should be aware that information collected by the County on its websites may be subject to examination and inspection if such information is a public record and not otherwise protected from disclosure.

Other Information about Your Visit to Our Site:
Our web site does not automatically collect any information from your computer during your visit. Certain pages, however, may tally total number of visitors.

This privacy policy does not apply to web sites operated by third parties that you may access through a link from our web site.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
The County of Buffalo makes no warranty or representation, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The County of Buffalo assumes no liability or responsibility for the quality, content, accuracy, completeness of the information, text, graphics, links and any other items contained on this service or any other system or service. The materials contained on this service have been compiled from a variety of sources and are subject to change without notice. Commercial use or sale of the materials contained on this service is prohibited without the express written consent of the County of Buffalo. In no event will the County of Buffalo be liable for any damages whatsoever, whether direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or special, or any claim for attorney's fees arising out of the use or inability to use the information on this service, even if the County of Buffalo is advised of the possibility of such damages.

COPYRIGHT STATUS
All documents available on this service may be protected under the United States and/or Foreign Copyright Laws. Permission to reproduce may be required. The County of Buffalo retains all rights to the information provided by this service, including, but not limited to, the right of reproduction.

DISCLAIMER OF ENDORSEMENT
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favored status by the County of Buffalo. The views and opinions of authors expressed on this service do not necessarily state or reflect those of the County of Buffalo, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

The County of Buffalo is not, and shall not bear any responsibility for the contents of any off-site pages referenced.

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

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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.

Register for Alerts

View Open Solicitations

Job Application

Job Application

GIS Data For Download

We invite you to browse our web site to learn about our various County offices and the services Buffalo County, Nebraska offers its citizens.

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