2020 ANNUAL REPORT A year-end summary of the county’s major projects and initiatives. 2 2020 ANNUAL REPORT SARPY COUNTY 3 Sarpy County building permits available online The Sarpy County Planning and Building Department became even more user friendly in 2020. If you are building a fence, finishing your DON KELLY DAVID KLUG ANGI BUrmeister GARY MIxan JIM Warren basement or doing other work to District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 your home, you can now submit building permit applications on the Sarpy County website. A message from the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners The new system keeps projects moving and saves applicants time and a trip to the courthouse. This DEAR SARPY COUNTY RESIDENTS, was especially convenient given It’s hard to believe another year The budget prioritizes the coun- partnership with the City of Omaha, concerns about COVID-19. has come to a close. The past year ty’s new correctional center, a who will treat wastewater collected Residents, builders and con- presented historic challenges in our project that saw significant progress in the Unified Southern Sarpy Sewer tractors can use the online sys- community and around the world, in 2020. With the design well under- System, saving Sarpy County res- tem to apply for several types of but we are fortunate that 2020 in way and a construction manager idents the cost of building a new permits, including those required Sarpy County was full of opportunity, on board, we are on track to start treatment facility. for new decks, driveways, pools as well. construction in early 2021. Our response to the pandem- and larger-scale residential and Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Another priority in this year’s ic continues, and if you’ve visited commercial projects. Sarpy County staff continued to budget is the county’s road network. our county facilities, you’ve probably The system also allows users safely serve residents and kept Key projects completed in 2020 noticed physical barriers and social to track the status of their applica- important county initiatives on include reopening portions of the distancing practices put in place tion, schedule inspections, submit schedule. Our employees adapted, newly paved and expanded Giles to ensure public safety. We’ve also documents and make payments. and we appreciate your patience Road in western Sarpy, and recon- worked to keep you informed with “Growth in Sarpy County is im- while we navigated new ways of figuring the intersection of Platte- COVID-19-related data and informa- possible without the Planning and delivering services. view Road and 108th Street. We also tion on our website and social media Building Department,” Sarpy Coun- This year’s Annual Report shares launched CONNECTSarpy.com, a channels. Budget prioritizes roads, jail ty Commissioner Angi Burmeister said. “Allowing users to submit and the good — and at times heroic — new website to keep you up to date These efforts are due to the great The Sarpy County Board of Com- While the county continues to manage permits entirely online is work from our employees. on all of our road projects. team we have at Sarpy County missioners unanimously passed see healthy growth in property a great feature that was requested The Sarpy County Fiscal & Budget Plans to extend wastewater ser- and the support we receive from the Fiscal Year 2021 budget (July 1, valuations from new development, by our residents and will add Office developed a fiscally conserva- vice in southern Sarpy County the community. We hope you find 2020-June 30, 2021) that keeps the Sarpy County has prepared for some efficiency and convenience.” tive, balanced budget that kept our moved closer to reality this year. this update informative and insight- county’s tax levy flat. revenue losses due to COVID-19. If you have questions about county property tax levy the same The Sarpy County and Cities ful, and we look forward to more The $178.7 million budget allo- For example, the budget assumes building permit requirements in while investing in major initiatives. Wastewater Agency approved a success in 2021. cates $18 million for roads, $12.7 reductions in the Highway Allocation Sarpy County, please contact the million for the correctional center Fund, Lodging Taxes and Keno. Sarpy County Planning and Build- and includes funding for body cam- “This is the sixth year in a row the ing Department at 402-593-1555 eras for the Sarpy County Sheriff’s county levy has remained the same or [email protected]. Office and mass appraisal software at 29.69 cents per $100 valuation,” SARPY COUNTY OFFICIALS Administration for the Assessor’s Office. It also Commissioner David Klug said. A look at the numbers allows the county to remove two Under the FY2021 budget, resi- * Assessor: Dan Pittman Engineer: Dennis L. Wilson County Administrator: Dan Hoins • 2,485: permits issued aging buildings on the Sarpy County dents who live in a home valued at * County Attorney: Lee Polikov Public Defender: Tom Strigenz Deputy Administrator: Scott Bovick Courthouse Campus to make way $200,000 pay about $594 annually • 5,822: inspections completed Clerk/Register of Deeds: Deb Houghtaling Sheriff: Jeff Davis Chief Financial Officer: Bill Conley for customer parking during the for all county services, including the • Most requested permit: Clerk of the District Court: Dori Heath Treasurer: Brian Zuger Director of Administrative Services: construction of the new correctional 911 center, Sheriff’s Office, Public Single Family Home Stu De La Castro Election Commissioner: Michelle Y. Andahl center. Works and other county offices. *Numbers from Jan. 1-Dec. 11, 2020 4 2020 ANNUAL REPORT SARPY COUNTY 5 Wastewater Agency partners with Omaha A longtime, collaborative effort to build sanitary sewers in southern Sarpy County cleared a major feasi- bility and financial hurdle in 2020. The Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency and the City of Omaha formed a historic and mutual- ly beneficial partnership that moves the Unified Southern Sarpy Wastewa- ter System closer to a reality. Under the agreement, wastewater collected in the new sewer system will Sarpy County will start construction on a new correctional center in Spring 2021. This rendering shows the facility from 84th Street and Highway 370. (DLR Group) be treated at Omaha’s Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility. The Sarpy County and Cities Wastewater Agency held a public hearing on Dec. 9, 2020, which included a preview of the proposed route for the new sewer system’s main pipeline, shown as the red line. (HDR) “Governments work best when they work together, so it makes per- tional revenue from new customers. to cost approximately $200 million correctional center’s Design takes Shape fect sense for the Agency to partner Development in southern Sarpy and will be built in phases over the employees will move during the jail’s with Omaha. Delivering sewer service County has been hampered by the next 40 years. In 2020, design work New facility to include construction. Because the jail will be to southern Sarpy will foster develop- lack of a unified sanitary sewer sys- began on the first phase, which will PROJECT TIMELINE built in an existing parking lot, the ment and benefit the entire metro,” tem. In 2017, Sarpy County and the bring sewer service to the Zwiebel courtroom, space for • January 2020: Correctional county made the decision to take said Commissioner Don Kelly, who five Sarpy cities set out to address this Creek watershed from roughly 60th Center Design Team began also serves as Chair of the Agency by forming the Wastewater Agency. to 84th Streets between Highway mental health care. design partnership with DLR down two aging office buildings on the Courthouse campus to make board. “Since Omaha will be treating Since its formation, the Agency 370 and Capehart Road. A team of professionals dedicated Group. way for additional parking. the wastewater, the agency will save has developed a phased plan for “This project has always been • April 2020: JE Dunn hired to be much of 2020 to addressing Sarpy The new correctional center potentially millions of dollars by not building the new system and ap- about collaboration,” Sarpy County County’s need for a larger, modern construction manager. proved a funding model that relies Administrator Dan Hoins said. “The design, led by DLR Group, became having to build a treatment facility.” correctional center. • August 2020: Schematic design While the Wastewater Agency will on connection and user fees instead Agency is in a great position head- clearer in 2020, with board approval With the hiring of a construction approved. of both a schematic design and a see cost savings from the partner- of property tax dollars. ing into 2021 and moving closer to manager and approval of the overall ship, the City of Omaha will see addi- The entire project is estimated putting pipe in the ground.” • December 2020: Detailed design more detailed design that sets the design, the jail project is on track to development documents stage for construction. The exterior begin construction in 2021. approved. of the new facility will blend in with “Collaboration has been critical • Spring 2021: Construction the existing facilities on the campus. Pro soccer ushers in a new era at Werner Park to getting the project to this point,” begins. Current financial projections show Sarpy County Board Chair Don Kelly Werner Park is no longer just a come addition to Sarpy County, County. Our thanks go out to every- • Late 2022: Construction the county can build the estimated said. “We have a great team internal- baseball stadium – it’s the home of especially after Minor League Base- one who helped make Union Oma- complete and facility opens. $65 million facility without raising professional soccer, too. ball canceled its 2020 season. Union ha’s first season safe and successful.” ly, and we’ve benefited from the as- the county property tax levy, using Union Omaha kicked off its in- Omaha’s debut season during the Stadium changes to accommo- sistance of dozens of Sarpy County a portion of the county’s existing augural season in August, and that pandemic was possible with limited date soccer include the renovation stakeholders, subject matter experts space for educational and rehabilita- levy and a portion of inheritance tax meant Werner Park, the Sarpy Coun- capacity, a shortened season and nu- of a seating section to allow the field and other professionals in the areas tion programs. revenue. ty-owned venue, spent much of the merous precautions to ensure a safe to fit into the stadium as well as the of design and construction.” In April, the Sarpy County Board “We’re thrilled to be taking this on year undergoing a transformation. environment for players, spectators addition of new grounds/facilities As Sarpy County’s population has of Commissioners hired JE Dunn without raising property taxes, but The changes to accommodate and staff. offices and storage areas. grown, so has the number of inmates Construction to serve as the project’s we’re still taking every step to con- soccer at Werner Park represent a “We’re proud that this public- One of the more innovative addi- in the jail and, subsequently, the construction manager. The com- trol costs and to ensure we’re using $2 million investment shared by the private partnership has brought tions is a retractable pitching mound, need for more beds. The new 368- pany will oversee construction and taxpayers’ money wisely,” Kelly said. county and team. Union Omaha is something truly unique to the region,” which allows the field to seamlessly bed, four-story facility will be built to build the correctional center for a “We’re trying to be fiscally conser- part of the USL League One and Commissioner Gary Mixan said. convert from a baseball field into a current jail standards and include guaranteed maximum price. vative and forward thinking with our owned by Gary Green, who also “Baseball and soccer bring people soccer pitch. It takes just 10 minutes more functional space, including The board also approved the approach so that we end up with a owns the Omaha Storm Chasers. together, and we’re glad both sports for the motorized mound to go down an entire unit dedicated to mental acquisition of an office building facility that meets the county’s needs Professional soccer was a wel- can be enjoyed right here in Sarpy or up. health care, a secure courtroom and in Papillion, where some county now and the future.” 6 2020 ANNUAL REPORT SARPY COUNTY 7 SERVING SARPY Public service is at the core of everything we do. Here’s a look at a few ways we fulfilled that mission in 2020. DEnise Mayor KRisty Cressler Kylee Goff Answering the Call 268 The CONNECTSarpy – West Sarpy road program includes nine miles of arterial road improvements, including Giles Road and 180th Street. (Olsson) children served by the Three Sarpy County 911 dispatchers Sarpy County CASA Program receive Life Saving Awards The work of Sarpy County 911 escalated into a CPR call, and Mayor Working to CONNECT Sarpy dispatchers can be a matter of life instructed the woman and a by- and death. stander to start chest compressions. Largest roadway project in county history underway in western Sarpy Dispatchers often are the first The patient was transported to a voice someone in need hears, and hospital as a Code 3 – also known One of Sarpy County’s priorities “The eastern part of my district their calm demeanor, encouraging as life-threatening condition. He is building and maintaining a well- West Sarpy projects won’t look the same after this initial words and quick action are crucial to was treated, received a defibrillator thought out road network across the The following roads will be paved phase of this project is finished,” said getting help on the way. implant and recovered. county. and/or expanded in phases over County Commissioner Jim Warren, 16,412 In 2020, three dispatchers re- The CONNECTSarpy road program the next two to three years. who represents the area on the number of in-person, phone and ceived Life Saving Awards for Kristy Cressler is a coordinated vision focused on just County Board. “Anyone who trav- • Giles Road: 168th-204th; email service visits to the their work. Each provided CPR In July, Cressler assisted a Papillion that – creating an easily accessible eled the old, unpaved Giles Road in already complete from 168th- Sarpy County Veterans Service Office instructions and helped save the caller whose husband had collapsed network of arterial streets that move the past will already see an improve- (Jan. 1-Dec. 15) 174th, 180th-186th, 192nd-204th life of a person in critical condition. in the shower. Cressler talked the residents and commercial traffic. ment on the newly paved Giles.” The awards honor everyone in the woman through administering CPR, The first stage of the initiative • 180th Street: Storage Road- Because of the complexity of the Highway 370 life-saving chain, from dispatchers including instructions on how to launched in 2020 and focuses on project and its many moving parts, to firefighters and EMTs to hospital reposition her husband so he could northwestern Sarpy County. Future • Cornhusker Road: 180th-194th the County Board selected Hawkins employees. receive effective chest compressions. projects will move outside of that • Meridian Street: 180th-192nd Construction Company to serve as The man was transported to the hos- area to include bridge replacements construction manager/general con- “Our dispatchers are truly our • 192nd Street: Giles-Lincoln pital with CPR still in progress. He was across the county and expansion of tractor for the project. One benefit of 64,000+ county’s first first responders,” Sarpy Road number of 911 calls answered by County Emergency Communica- resuscitated and later discharged to a Platteview Road. bringing Hawkins on board is signifi- the Sarpy County Emergency tions Director William Muldoon said. rehabilitation facility. “CONNECTSarpy delivers im- cantly reducing the original construc- Communications Center “I get to witness their heroic work on proved roads in conjunction with son Street to Highway 370, an area tion timeline by 25 to 50 percent. a daily basis, and it’s a privilege to Kylee Goff other public agencies like the utilities poised to see significant residential “We know road closures and specifically acknowledge the efforts In September, Goff dispatched and railroad companies,” County and commercial development. detours are inconvenient, so cutting of Denise Mayor, Kristy Cressler and a rescue squad within 30 seconds Board Chairman Don Kelly said. “This This area represents the largest the time on a project of this scale is Kylee Goff.” to a patient in cardiac arrest. Goff approach is all about efficiency, as it road project in county history: a a huge benefit for people who live, used redirection and persistence helps take on bigger projects in high- $65-million investment spanning work or travel through the area,” Denise Mayor to assist a distressed husband with growth areas while saving money nine miles of arterial roadways. Warren said. “I am confident the 1,066 In July, Mayor received a call administering CPR to his wife while and time by working together.” Roughly 1.5 miles are already com- public will see the benefit when the number of children and families from a woman whose husband had he waited for the ambulance. After The West Sarpy portion of the ini- plete, and the rest will be completed work is complete.” who took part in the Sarpy County collapsed after having a seizure at a being transported to the hospital, the tiative focuses on roadways between in multiple phases over the next two For more information on the Holiday Assistance Program Bellevue park. The 911 call quickly woman made a full recovery. 168th and 204th streets from Harri- to three years. project, visit CONNECTSarpy.com. 8 2020 ANNUAL REPORT SARPY COUNTY 9 with other government agencies to economic development ensure a seamless and consistent response. City and county officials Serving AMID THE pandemic from Sarpy and Cass counties meet weekly with the Sarpy/Cass Health County remained focused Department, Offutt Air Force Base, on providing vital services judges and others. during initial courthouse Displaying the data shutdown and beyond. With data from the Sarpy/Cass Health Department, Sarpy County’s Life for everyone changed dras- GIS team created a interactive dash- tically in March when the COVID-19 board to provide real time COVID-19 pandemic emerged in Nebraska. information such as the number of In October, Amazon broke ground on a new fulfillment center near 144th Street and Highway 370. The Operations at Sarpy County were active cases by ZIP code, hospital- new 700,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2021. (Ryan Companies) no exception. izations, positivity rate and more. The county activated a senior The dashboard is available on both advisory group to help respond SarpyCassHealthDepartment.com Amazon is latest international to the pandemic, then made the and Sarpy.com. difficult decision to temporarily close company to expand in Sarpy the administrative wing of the Sarpy FACILITY changes County Courthouse. In addition to installing plexi- Despite challenges during 2020, Sarpy County, the state’s fastest-grow- Through it all, Sarpy continued to glass and secure drop boxes, Sarpy Crews installed new signs and plexiglass barriers throughout the Sarpy County Courthouse. ing county, remained a driver of economic development. serve residents. County added touchless sanitizing That was evident when Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, Many county employees began stations throughout the courthouse “The word ‘unprecedented’ was used a lot to describe 2020, announced plans to build a new 700,000-square-foot robotic fulfillment working remotely, using new online and other county offices. Seating but it’s so appropriate. Especially in the beginning, the pandemic center in Sarpy County. The facility near 144th Street and Highway 370 systems to assist residents virtually, was spread apart to allow for social will employ 1,000 full-time workers. It is expected to open in 2021. and secure drop boxes were in- was a chaotic and evolving situation. Our employees stepped up distancing and signage was updat- “We’re proud Amazon will join Facebook and Google in bringing their stalled outside the Courthouse so and handled the circumstances with professionalism, and they ed as new recommendations and presence to Sarpy County,” Sarpy County Board Chairman Don Kelly said. residents could leave documents or remained committed to serving our residents.” policies were released. “This kind of project is a win for the payments to the county in a safe and – Sarpy County Commissioner Don Kelly entire area, because it grows the socially distanced manner. technology tax base, adds jobs and elevates all “The word ‘unprecedented’ was The county continues to use tech- Development Figures appointment system so residents provide secure deliveries. Through we have to offer.” Between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2020, used a lot to describe 2020, but it’s nology to deliver services virtually. could make appointments to visit the mid-December, the helpline has Sarpy County invests across the there were 77 new non-residential so appropriate,” Sarpy County Board Residents can use the county’s web- courthouse, which allowed Sarpy received more than 3,000 calls. county in accessible infrastructure building permits issued in Sarpy Chairman Don Kelly said. “Especially site or the QLess app to schedule ap- like roads and sewers so devel- County, valued at more than in the beginning, the pandemic was County to reopen to the public be- The Human Services Department pointments with a number of depart- $139.6 million. a chaotic and evolving situation. Our fore any other county in the state. is also partnering with several agen- ments, and a live chat program on opable land is shovel-ready when employees stepped up and handled Here is a look ways the county cies to assist people experiencing Sarpy.com allows the public to chat opportunities arise. The county the circumstances with profession- continues to respond to the pan- homelessness or at risk of homeless- with county employees in real time. also promotes its skilled workforce, alism, and they remained committed demic: ness because of the pandemic. One affordability and quality of life to local, national and international companies. to serving our residents.” of the primary partners is the Metro Communications “We want to be attractive to new businesses, but we want to remain a Plans to safely reopen the court- Helping those in need Area Continuum of Care for the Throughout the pandemic, rules, place our families and existing businesses want to stay,” Kelly said. “We house began almost immediately. In March, the Sarpy County Homeless, which launched an emer- regulations and directed health mea- value every neighborhood and business and want them to prosper here in Crews installed plexiglass barriers Sheriff’s Office and Human Services gency response program. Since sures changed frequently, some- Sarpy County.” at all customer counters, created department launched a telephone April, the program has distributed times on a daily basis. The Sarpy Partnerships between the city, county and state were key to brining one-way paths through the court- helpline (402-593-1593) for seniors, $120,000 in rent assistance to more County Communications team Amazon to Sarpy County. house and established cleaning caretakers and people who were than 100 Sarpy County households. focused on providing up-to-date “It’s no coincidence why Amazon chose greater Omaha, and Sarpy County protocols to help ensure visitors and sick. The service offered assistance information to residents through a specifically. This is a region that works together and aspires to more. When employees could return in a safe picking up prescriptions and gro- Countywide coordination number of avenues, including the fully operational, this facility will add nearly $204 million to the local economy manner. The Information Systems ceries. Deputies worked with area From the initial stages of the county’s website and social media each year. That’s significant, and we’re excited and grateful for what’s ahead,” department deployed an online grocery stores and pharmacies to pandemic, Sarpy County worked accounts. said David G. Brown, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. 10 2020 ANNUAL REPORT SARPY COUNTY 11 Summary Financial Information Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2020 & 2019 Sarpy Responds ($ in millions, excludes inter-county transfers) County takes leadership role in improving mental health services Government-Wide SOURCES OF REVENUE (cash basis) Sarpy County has long recog- offers specialized, intensive supervi- situation that might otherwise end in 2020 Fiscal Year 2019 Fiscal Year nized the importance of investing sion to those awaiting trial. The pro- an arrest or a trip to the emergency Amount % of Total Amount % of Total in mental health services so people gram connects people to resources room, where the person could wait Local - Charges for Services $52.3 43% $49.5 44% experiencing crisis can recover and and assists with therapy and medica- for hours to be seen by a mental State - Highway Allocation Funds & various grants $19.3 16% $18.4 16% lead fulfilling lives. tion management. health professional. Federal - Grants $2.5 2% $2.4 2% The county has numerous efforts The Sarpy County Attorney’s The Sheriff’s Office also has estab- Property Tax $46.9 39% $43.0 38% underway to prevent unnecessarily Office offers a mental health diver- lished the area’s first Mental Health TOTAL REVENUES $121.0 100% $113.3 100% incarcerating mentally ill people and sion program, which diverts people Unit. Led by Sgt. Rob Hillabrand, the ultimately decriminalize mental ill- toward treatment instead of incarcer- unit works with Heartland Family Ser- ness. The county also offers – and is ation. vice’s ASAP (Assessment, Support Government-Wide working to improve – mental health The county also is a proud partic- and Prevention) program’s thera- EXPENSES BY FUNCTION (cash basis) programming ipant in the Stepping Up Initiative, pists, follows up on people who’ve 2020 Fiscal Year 2019 Fiscal Year and resourc- a national initiative that works to had contact with law enforcement Amount % of Total Amount % of Total es to people reduce the number of people with and coordinates mental health train- General Government $32.1 26% $27.8 26% who are serv- mental illness in jails. Sarpy County ings across the county. Public Safety - Law Enforcement (Sheriff & Jail) $24.9 23% $24.1 23% ing time in the joined the initiative in 2015, and be- Hillabrand has led technological Public Safety - Other (Courts, Attorney, Public Defender, 911) $19.9 18% $18.9 18% Sarpy County came an Innovator County in 2019. improvements to better assist those Public Works - Roads (maintenance & construction) $24.6 17% $18.0 17% jail. As an Innovator County, Sarpy is in crisis, too. That includes securing Public Health - Animal Control, Noxious Weed, Mental Health $0.7 0.5% $0.7 0.5% “We’re using Stepping Up’s three-step grant monies to purchase iPads to Public Welfare & Social Services - Veterans, Human Services $1.7 1.5% $1.6 1.5% doing a lot of approach to collect and analyze conduct virtual therapy sessions and Community Development - SBDF Grant $0.2 0% - 0% things to help timely data on the prevalence of working on implementing software Landfill $6.5 8% $8.2 8% people in crisis because we want to people in the jail who have serious to help facilitate safer and more ef- Stadium - Werner Park $2.4 2% $2.0 2% break the cycle of people going in mental illnesses. These steps include fective interactions between depu- and out of the system,” Sarpy Coun- establishing a shared definition of ties and individuals. Sewer $3.1 4% $4.0 4% ty Commissioner Jim Warren said. serious mental illness across crim- Currently, the Sarpy County jail TOTAL EXPENSES $116.1 100% $105.3 100% “Our work in this area is important inal justice and behavioral health conducts mental health screenings because it’s good for the person, systems; ensuring everyone booked and provides mental health-focused Government-Wide their family and our community as a into jail is screened for mental ill- programming, like a course that STATEMENT OF NET POSITION (accrual basis) whole.” nesses; and regular reporting on this helps inmates with decision-mak- Today, roughly 20 percent of the population. ing skills. The new Sarpy County June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019 (unaudited) (audited) county’s jail inmates have a serious Because law enforcement offi- Correctional Center, which will ASSETS Amount % of Total Amount % of Total mental illness, which can include cers often are a person’s first point break ground in 2021, will include Cash & Investments $115.1 32.5% $61.6 22% schizophrenia, bipolar affective of contact with the justice system, an entire unit dedicated to mental Taxes, Grants & Accounts Receivable $30.2 8.5% $26.1 9% disorder and obsessive-compulsive the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office has health care. Capital Assets (net of depreciation) $193.0 55% $176.4 64% disorder. But in most cases, jail is prioritized training all its deputies in “The special management unit will All other $15.8 4% $12.9 5% not the right place for nonviolent Mental Health First Aid. Members take mental health care for those in- TOTAL ASSETS $354.1 100% $277.0 100% individuals experiencing mental of the Sarpy County Attorney’s volved in the justice system in Sarpy health crisis. Office and the Sarpy County Public County to a new level,” Commission- LIABILITIES & NET POSITION Sarpy County started a number of Defenders Office also received the er Angi Burmeister said. “This unit is Bonds & Notes Payable $34.6 10% $36.2 13% programs designed to address the training. Many deputies also receive going to change lives for the better, All other Liabilities & Deferred Inflows $90.4 25% $33.4 12% issue. Crisis Intervention Training, a more and that’s exactly what we’re trying Subtotal - LIABILITIES $125.0 35% $69.6 25% Sarpy County Community Cor- in-depth program. to do. We’re excited to share more Net Position $229.1 65% $207.4 75% rections operates the Mental Health This training can help deputies about the unit, including its innova- TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET POSITION $354.1 100% $277.0 100% Case Management Program, which and other employees defuse a tive programming, in 2021.” 12 2020 ANNUAL REPORT SARPY COUNTY 13 Celebrating Success Youth at justice center earn high school diplomas

The Patrick J. Thomas Juvenile the JJC celebrate graduation with a Justice Center marked a milestone walk, complete with a cap and gown, by celebrating five high school grad- from their dorm to a reception area, uations in 2020. followed by a small ceremony and a The center, commonly referred party with cake and ice cream. to as the JJC, has celebrated one or The public donated the gowns, two graduations a year since open- and graduates can wear a color ing in 2003. But over the last year, that represents their home school’s the JJC happened to have more 17- colors. and 18-year-olds. “When we reached out the public The JJC is unique because it is an and asked for donations, we had so accredited school, and its teachers many people excited to have their Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis unveiled the Project Lifesaver cruiser in January 2020 as a way to raise awareness for the countywide program. can assist youth with classwork that items repurposed and used for a mirrors what’s being taught in their good cause,” Steensma said. “We home district. When youth study at received 45 gowns and we have the JJC, they work independently every color in the area.” Bringing loved ones home and remotely, then receive a diplo- Graduates get to keep their caps ma from their home district. and receive a copy of “Oh, the New Sheriff’s Office cruiser promotes Project Lifesaver A 2020 graduate holds his cap at his graduation “To get credits at a detention ceremony at the Juvenile Justice Center. Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss, For those involved in Sarpy Coun- cruiser helps us publicize the pro- center, with all the traumas and trig- a book about seizing new opportu- ty’s Project Lifesaver program, the gram and share the great work our Learn more gers of the past, it’s just such a huge The center offers alternative nities. phrase “bringing loved ones home” law enforcement agencies are doing accomplishment for these kids,” said schooling through the Sarpy County “This is kind of their yearbook, For more information about Project has profound meaning. to keep our community safe.” JJC Director Tami Steensma. Education Program for youth who’ve or at least some kind of memorabilia Lifesaver or to learn about how to Project Lifesaver equips vul- Project Lifesaver is personal to The 30-bed detention center been suspended or expelled, as well that says there are a lot of people participate in the program, email nerable people with an electronic Davis, whose mother was diagnosed holds youth between the ages of as an evening and day drop-in ed- behind me,” Steensma said. “All of [email protected] or call wristband that helps law enforce- with Alzheimer’s. Davis championed 13 to 18 from all over Nebraska who ucation center for youth who have these people who worked with me the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office at have juvenile or adult charges. The been kicked out of school for the at the detention center, they’re be- ment pinpoint their whereabouts bringing the program to Sarpy Coun- 402-593-2288. if they go missing. The program is ty in 2008. The Sheriff’s Office runs center also runs house arrest and day or may need evening assistance hind me. I’ve got people who meant to help people who have con- the program in collaboration with truancy programs for Sarpy County with homework. support me no matter where ditions like autism, dementia, Alzhei- the Bellevue, Papillion and La Vista been visible otherwise, Griger said. youth. Youth who finish their schooling at I go.” mer’s disease or Down Syndrome. police departments. Nationally, Project Lifesaver In 2020, the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Since established in Sarpy Coun- has assisted in thousands of res- Stay up to date with Sarpy County Office brought greater awareness to ty, the program has grown to 68 cli- cues and drastically reduced the news and information by following the program by unveiling a Project ents equipped with wristbands. The amount of time it typically takes to us on social media. Lifesaver-themed cruiser. The cruiser program is free for participants, find a missing person. The average is used for routine road patrol and as the devices are paid for with grant recovery time for participants is just 2020 Facebook.com/SarpyCounty can be seen all across the county. funds and donations. 30 minutes. ANNUAL REPORT Twitter.com/SarpyCountyGov “For years, we’ve seen how Proj- Project Lifesaver’s manager, “Project Lifesaver helps families Sarpy County’s Annual Report includes information ect Lifesaver has real impact in our Captain Kevin Griger, credits the during an extremely dark time, about major county projects and initiatives. Questions Nextdoor.com/pages/ community, not only by reuniting program for saving about one life fearing perhaps the worst has hap- about the report should be directed to Sarpy County Sarpy-County-Government families, but also by giving them each year in Sarpy County. In Sep- pened,” said County Commissioner Communications Manager Megan Stubenhofer- tember, using Project Lifesaver tech- Jim Warren. “We’re proud that the Barrett at 402-593-4132 or [email protected]. peace of mind knowing there’s an Sarpy County Courthouse extra layer of protection for their nology, officers located a young boy Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office contin- Writer: Emily Ramm 1210 Golden Gate Drive at-risk loved ones,” Sarpy County with autism. He was lost at Walnut ues to spread awareness so no family Editing/Design: Megan Stubenhofer-Barrett Papillion, NE 68046 Sheriff Jeff Davis said. “The new Creek Recreation Area and had not has to experience the unimaginable.” Cover graphic: Freepik.com 2020 ANNUAL REPORT