Logan County Board honors outgoing Treasurer Vicki Dugan and board member Adam Schmidt

[June 07, 2017]  LINCOLN - At the Logan County Board meeting Tuesday, May 16, the board honored Logan County Treasurer Vicki Dugan and board member Adam Schmidt, who are both stepping down from their positions.

Vicki Dugan was honored for her years of service as Logan County Treasurer

Board member David Hepler said a vacancy opened in the Logan County Treasurer's office several years ago after Mary Ellen Bruns retired and Vicki Dugan campaigned for the office.

Hepler said when Dugan was elected treasurer, she "retained the many positive aspects of her predecessor while incorporating new technologies into their daily operations." Hepler said "an example of this contemporization involved the use of a check scanner allowing direct deposit of checks from the office to the bank, saving many hours of work."

Hepler said Dugan researched the matter of ACA compliance and "came forward with an effective proposal." Dugan also "began highlighting fund accounts so the board members could be aware of the financial integrity of those accounts."

Hepler said Dugan and her "highly capable staff working closely with longstanding Finance Chairman Mr. Ruben increased efficiencies and accuracies allowing for significant reductions in audit expenses."

He said when health and dental insurance benefits became "overwhelming," Vicki Dugan is the one who "stepped forward and offered to assume those duties."

He said Dugan "always maintained an open door policy" treating the public with "accuracy and courtesy," being generous with her time, and showing "friendliness and compassion." Dugan "set the standard for everything a true public servant could be."

Hepler said, "Be it therefore resolved that the Logan County Board thanks Vicki Dugan for her years of outstanding service as our treasurer and wishes her the most pleasant and satisfying retirement that she has more than earned and so richly deserves."

The board approved the resolution honoring Vicki Dugan, giving her a round of applause.

Dugan, "I just want to say, this comes with a heavy heart. I truly, truly loved what I did, and I loved working with the county board. You guys have all been great to me and I have learned a lot. I hope I help make a difference in the future of the county."

Dugan's retirement became effective May 31, 2017.

Former board member Adam Schmidt honored for his service

At the April board meeting, Schmidt said his family was moving to a different district in Lincoln, which would require him to resign from his seat on the board.

Schmidt was appointed to the District 5 seat vacated by Andy Anderson when he resigned from the board in spring 2016. Schmidt was elected in November 2016.

Board member David Hepler said, before serving Schmidt was known by many board members and has a background in agriculture, insurance, and energy brokerage. Hepler said he is also a "great family man" raising three kids with wife Melissa.

Hepler said when Schmidt was interviewed for the District 5 vacancy, he demonstrated "honesty, intelligence, and values" plus "compassion, optimism, and a sense of humor."

Hepler said during his year of service Schmidt "distinguished himself as our CIRMA liaison" and "used his insurance background to customize medical, dental, and ancillary products" to help the employees.

Schmidt was one of the "strongest supporters" of CAPCIL's Strengthening Working Families Initiative. He also recognized the importance of the public transportation system and supported critical funding, and supported the Logan County Department of Public Health in their "time of need."

Hepler said Schmidt "consistently supported historic preservation, downtown development, tourism, festivals and special events including the first Lincoln Film Festival."

Hepler said Schmidt never wavered in his support of "economic development initiatives" of both the agencies and projects themselves. He said Schmidt attended [Lincoln City] Council meetings to "establish a common bond," and he advocated for veterans by supporting needed services.

Hepler said, "Be it therefore resolved that the Logan County Board thanks and commends Adam Schmidt for his service on the board and to our community from April 2016 to April 2017. "

The board unanimously approved the resolution, giving Schmidt a round of applause.

Schmidt thanked the board and said, "It was great to work with you on a lot of projects."

During the meeting, a former board member who had also left the board a few years ago for the same reason, she moved out of her elected district, Gloria Luster, was sworn in to fill Adam Schmidt's seat.

[Angela Reiners]