County Officials from across state attend conference

KEARNEY, Neb.— The Nebraska Association of County Officials is holding its annual conference this week in Kearney.

 

NACO, which has been holding conferences since the 1800s, serves as an advocacy group for all 93 counties in Nebraska. The slogan for this conference, “All In,” represents the association's first time ever having representatives from all 93 counties.

 

Gov. Jim Pillen spoke at the conference, encouraging collaboration and hinting at his push for changes with Medicaid with Vietnam veterans in mind. 

 

"My favorite is how important it is that we collaborate, and maybe that's the last thing I want to share," said Pillen. "We collaborate - all of our cabinet members are collaborating, and all of us as counties work together."

 

NACO works with the legislature on discussions that impact counties and works to inform local Nebraska governments on changes and resources.

 

The Central District Representative and Buffalo County Commissioner Bill Maendele got involved with NACO because of its impacts on communities and legislation.

 

"They specifically work with Buffalo County," said Maendele. "The impacts that impact any one county impacts all 93 counties. About a third of the legislation that is passed and is introduced in the Capital deals with county government in one form or another."

 

Other big topics at the conference include issues with funding for infrastructure, broadband, and workforce development, as well as veteran suicide and modular housing. 

 

The conference continues through Friday.