Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
On Tuesday, Feb. 4 after meeting with Highway Road superintendent Randy Bymer, the Kimball County Commissioners meet with other heads of departments.
Jessica Rocha, the County Tourism Director, reported that number of visitors stopping at the visitors center continues to be low.
Rocha is continuing with grant preparation for AmeriCorps volunteers again. They would help with the Visitors Center, Plains Historical Museum and the Community Trail.
The commissioners approved a letter written to the Nebraska Department of Revenue to request a list of establishments that remit lodging tax for Kimball County. Lodging tax is required to be paid to the Department of Revenue for all hotels, motels and camping spots.
The lodging tax is required only for stays 30 days. Anything long term does not have to pay the lodging tax.
Sheriff Harry Gilway reported that the new 911 equipment was currently being installed and would be completed by next week. Training for the system will occur, and on Feb. 17 the Sheriff’s office will cut over to the new system.
Ken Hunter, the CEO of the Kimball Health Services and Cassie Gasseling, the CFO of the Kimball Health Services, reviewed the Independent Auditor’s Report with the commissioners.
Kimball Health Services has received $8.8 million from the government throughout the COVID-19 crisis, this has included provider relief money, payroll protection, loans, grants and Medicare advance payment. Medicare advance payments of $3.6 million must be repaid to the government.
The clinic and hospital are in the delicate process of figuring losses and possible repayment of loans and dealing with the government. If there are enough losses due to COVID-19, they figure they will be able to keep around $2.5 million and their losses can be taken through June 30, 2021.
Wrapping up the meeting was Kimball County Transit Director Christy Warner providing an update on the transit services and discussing the biannual operating assistance grant application for fiscal year 2021-2023.