By Allison Peck
; Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast
Keith County commissioners are taking steps to ensure the county has a stronger voice in discussions surrounding North Platte River water management and Lake McConaughy.
During a recent interview, Keith County Commissioner Lane Anderson said local officials are working toward forming a committee to represent Keith County's interests regarding the Environmental Account, which he said has become a growing concern as Lake McConaughy has experienced lower water levels and limited inflows.
Anderson said the proposed committee would advocate for revisions to the Environmental Account and provide Keith County residents with a greater voice in future discussions affecting the lake.
"We need, as Keith County residents, we need to have a voice," Anderson said, adding that he has already spoken with an attorney about helping organize the effort.
When asked whether the issue was related to the proposed Perkins County Canal project, Anderson clarified that the committee's concerns involve the North Platte River rather than the South Platte River.
"The Perkins County Canal is the South Platte River," Anderson said, explaining the two issues are separate.
According to Anderson, local officials are concerned that water continues to be released through the Environmental Account even during periods when Lake McConaughy is experiencing low storage and little to no inflow. He said Keith County leaders believe the current agreement should be revisited to better account for drought conditions and the lake's water supply.
In other county business, Anderson said Keith County continues to hear tax protest cases over property valuations, with additional hearings scheduled over the coming weeks. He encouraged residents with concerns about their property valuations to contact the Keith County Assessor's Office.
Anderson also said volunteer fire departments that responded to recent wildfires are expected to receive reimbursement after invoices are reviewed and processed by the state.
The county has also implemented a new process for organizations requesting county funding. Rather than automatically receiving annual contributions, organizations such as libraries, senior centers and other nonprofits are now being asked to present to commissioners and explain how taxpayer dollars will be used before funding decisions are made.
Commissioners are also expected to discuss possible prairie dog management efforts with neighboring counties and the State of Nebraska during an upcoming meeting.