Robert Simpson is now officially the Scotts Bluff County Assessor following a swearing-in ceremony that took place Wednesday.
Simpson, who was the only applicant with all the criteria sought by the county, was appointed to the office Monday evening by the Board of Commissioners on a 5-0 vote, but with a caveat the oath of office would not be administered for another six months, and after a possible review by the Board.
After the vote, the conditional approval was the subject of a lengthy discussion on whether someone appointed to an elected office could be held to such a standard at all, with the Board and other officials deciding to get legal advice on the matter.
Officials told KNEB News they received an opinion from legal counsel for the Nebraska Association of County Officials, or NACO, Wednesday that clarified the matter, leading to Simpson’s swearing-in.
Citing several state statutes, the attorney said “The oath of office must be taken before the appointee begins their duties…. (and) stands in the stead of the elected official and would be subject to the same statutory responsibilities – and removal provisions – as if they had been elected.”
Simpson will hold the office through the end of 2026, with that and other elected county offices up for election during the course of that year.
