County Redistricting

Each 10 years, the United States conducts a census, a count of its population.

The last census resulted in the State of Nebraska directing Cheyenne County to reapportion its districts.

In April 2021, Nebraska Public Media reported the state had grown in population by 7.4 percent from 2010. Nebraska's population was last recorded at 1,961,504, up from 1,826,341 in 2010, making Nebraska the 37th largest state, adding more than 135,000 people in the last 10 years.

What that means to Cheyenne County is the State determined it is time for redistricting.

In the June 21 meeting of the county commissioners, County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh announced the county is contracting with gWorks regarding election redistricting. Redistricting occurs under the direction of the State. Fiegenschuh said Thursday there can't be two legislative districts in one precinct. Presently, the Cheyenne County commissioner districts are “as equalized as they can get,” she said.

In addition to the commissioner districts, there are also the Natural Resource District, Western Nebraska Community College, Educational Service Unit and Wheat Belt election districts.

The process gets more intense as the year moves on. The drawing of county commissioner districts takes place October 1 through November 1. Political subdivisions have Nov. 1 to Dec. 30 to determine their districts. January 5 is the final deadline.

Training for the process will occur through the summer, Fiegenschuh said.

“It's kind of a monumental process,” she said.

The commissioners also approved a resolution defining parameters for the county Fair Board's petty cash fund. The resolution says the Fair Board can exceed the $7,000 balance, but are prohibited from writing checks exceeding $7,000 with the exception of checks written to the county treasurer.

The commissioners then approved an update to the Cheyenne County and Red Cross memorandum of understanding.

“It details what would be expected between the Red Cross and the County in case of a disaster,” said County Attorney Paul Schaub.

The commissioners also approved John Sanna for a five-year term on the Veterans Service Committee, and renewal of attorney contract for Conflict Indigent Defense services with Stacy Vach. The contract is for an additional year at the same conditions as the current contract.

The commissioners also approved the Pledged Securities Report presented by County Treasurer Shelley Bowlin and received an update from Highway Superintendent Doug Hart. Commissioner Phil Sanders suggested Hart research an alternative road striping machine. They also talked about the drainage at the fairgrounds, specifically near the 4-H Building.

Meeting as the Board of Equalization, the board approved changes in the over/under property valuations as presented by Assessor Melody Keller.