08/14/2026
Press Release
Dixon County Announces Strategic Direction for New Courthouse Facility and Community
Informational Meetings
PONCA, NE — The Dixon County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce a definitive path
forward for the construction of a new Dixon County Courthouse. Based on community feedback
following the failed bond issue (May 2024) and after extensive study, the Board has prioritized a
solution that addresses critical infrastructure needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility for county
taxpayers.
The current Dixon County Courthouse, which has served the community since 1883 with an addition
built in 1940, faces significant challenges. The facility is not ADA compliant, suffers from ongoing
issues with basement water intrusion, and has structural deficiencies that have become increasingly
costly and difficult to resolve. Recognizing that the aging building can no longer adequately serve
the public or staff, the Board of Supervisors has been actively planning for its replacement.
In March 2026, the Board partnered with BVH Architects to re-evaluate the project scope.
Recognizing that a jail facility would necessitate an additional hiring of six full-time employees to
meet regulatory standards, the Board approved a revised direction in April 2026 to construct a new,
standalone courthouse without a jail located along Highway 12 on the edge of Ponca.
To ensure the project is delivered with maximum efficiency and transparency, the Board adopted a
"Construction Manager at Risk" (CMAR) construction delivery method. Following a Request for
Proposals (RFP) process, which attracted ten competitive proposals, an ad hoc committee
consisting of Kevin Connot, Austen Stewart, Julie Hartung, Neil Blohm, Steve Hassler, and Lisa Lunz
selected and interviewed the top four finalists. Sampson Construction was subsequently selected as
the project’s construction manager, with a contract to be finalized in July 2026.
The Board has been working closely with DA Davidson to secure efficient financing for the project. In
March 2026, the Board approved a resolution for a limited tax bond not to exceed $12,500,000,
capped at 5.2 cents (Statute 23-120). Given the county’s current valuation, the projected levy is
estimated at approximately four cents, ensuring the project remains affordable for residents.
The Board of Supervisors is committed to transparency as this project moves into the design phase.
We invite the public to attend upcoming informational meetings to review the timeline, design
progress, and financing details.
Informational Meetings Schedule:
Ponca: Monday, August 24th at 10:30 a.m. at the County Annex Building
Wakefield: Monday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m. at the Civic Center
Allen: Monday, August 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall
We look forward to sharing these plans with you and working together to build a facility that will serve Dixon County for generations to come.
Inquiries should be directed to Lisa Lunz, Board of Supervisors Chair. [email protected]
