BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 November 4, Monday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
I spoke with Shawn this evening about an interview. I gave her some tough questions and she replied with deep, sincere, and serious answers. I agree with current Director, Ted Japp: she’s the right person for the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board Subdistrict 1.
BLAIRTODAY: What led you to get involved with the NRD?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “I became familiar with the Papio NRD in 2004 when the Papio NRD Board proposed building multiple dams which would have ‘taken’ over 10,000 acres of farmland, including our family farm. Since that time, I have attended countless Papio NRD meetings and public presentations, and have testified on behalf of land owners / taxpayers at multiple Legislative Hearings. As a result of attending these meetings, I have been disappointed in the direction of the Papio NRD — so I decided to run for the Board to provide a voice for the taxpayers of the District.”
BLAIRTODAY: Tell us about your background and involvement with local organizations.
SHAWN MELOTZ: “I have been a member of the Papio Valley Preservation Association (PVPA) since 2004. The PVPA is a grassroots organization with over 500 members whose primary mission is protecting the natural resources within the Papio Creek Watershed located in Washington and Douglas Counties.”
BLAIRTODAY: What specific experience do you have with local government?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “Since 2004, I have actively testified at Papio NRD meetings; at Washington, Douglas, and Sarpy County Board meetings; at Village and City Council meetings; and at the Nebraska Legislature, to promote a comprehensive plan to improve water quality and quantity. This plan would include a wide range of stormwater Best Management Practices that begin at the lot level with Low Impact Development, Conservation Design, and other techniques that mimic and/or utilize natural hydrology.”
BLAIRTODAY: You served on a specific committee. What was accomplished there?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “The Washington County Board of Supervisors appointed me to serve on a Committee that, over an eighteen-month period, developed the existing Douglas County-Washington County Stormwater Management Plan. This Plan opposes dams with permanent pools, supports full implementation of proven Low Impact Development and Conservation Design, advocates floodplain management practices that prohibit building in the floodplain, and opposes the use of eminent domain.”
BLAIRTODAY: Let’s talk about the budget and taxes. What specific concerns do you have?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “The Papio NRD’s FY 2025 Budget provides a $31,500,000 in property tax requirements, a 2.5% increase, and includes $29 million of projected Cash Reserves. At their August 2024 Budget Hearing, I outlined suggestions that would lower our property taxes by $9,250,000. The largest component of this tax savings would occur by eliminating the annual $7,000,000 ‘reserve’ for construction of dams. It should be noted that no essential services would be affected by this reduction.”
BLAIRTODAY: How would you balance urban development with agricultural interests?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “To balance urban stormwater management and improve water quality and quantity, within the Papio NRD District, the Board must collaborate with all stakeholders, from the farmers to increase terracing and promoting less tillage intensive farming. And working with City and County Boards to strengthen current regulations to prevent urban runoff during storm events.”
BLAIRTODAY: What about water quality issues, particularly nitrate contamination?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “Those involved in agriculture adhere to practices focused on reducing nitrate contamination in groundwater such as waterways, small terraces, cover crops, and other soil erosion control measures. The Papio NRD should continue to provide cost-sharing measures to assist farmers with implementing such measures.”
BLAIRTODAY: How would you measure success in water quality programs?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “Water is a basic need. The specific metric to measure the success of water quality improvement programs would be the constant testing of water for toxicants such as insecticides, herbicides, and metals. The Papio NRD should continue to provide cost-sharing measures for improving water quality.”
BLAIRTODAY: Your background spans both accounting and agriculture. How would that influence your approach to the board?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “My background as a Certified Public Accountant and a farmer will bring a unique understanding of business and agriculture. With this background, I will be able to objectively understand multiple ‘sides’ of controversial projects. Further, to solve conflicts, I believe it is important to listen to others’ perspectives, educate myself to their ideas, then discuss how to compromise to move forward. My experiences in dealing with the IRS has provided a unique understanding of this process.”
BLAIRTODAY: Tell us about your professional background and how it relates to NRD management.
SHAWN MELOTZ: “As the managing Partner of a CPA firm, I understand businesses. I believe the Papio NRD should operate more like a business where spending is based on needs, not wants. I have studied the Papio NRD budgets since 2004 and have testified on behalf of taxpayers asking the Board to lower property taxes while not impacting essential services. As a Board member, I will utilize my understanding of business to the budget process.”
BLAIRTODAY: What’s your position on recreational projects within the NRD?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “I believe recreational projects within the Papio NRD are essential. Further, since the Papio NRD is a governmental entity using our property tax dollars to build recreational projects, I am 100% for ensuring projects have public access.”
BLAIRTODAY: You’ve mentioned alternatives to dam projects. Can you elaborate?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “Professional studies have shown that there are alternatives to building dams that are less intrusive to the environment, less costly to taxpayers, and would eliminate the need to condemn precious farmland. In fact, 25 states removed dams in 2023, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.”
BLAIRTODAY: How do you see your role in balancing competing water needs?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “To balance the competing water needs of urban development, agricultural users, and environmental conservation, I would engage key stakeholders to strategize how to work together for the common goal of protecting our natural resources.”
BLAIRTODAY: Tell us about your agricultural background.
SHAWN MELOTZ: “As a fourth generation Douglas County dairy farm family, I understand the importance of protecting and valuing our natural resources. Our family has partnered with the Papio NRD on multiple soil conservation projects. With this experience, I understand the need to work hand in hand with the Papio NRD.”
BLAIRTODAY: What’s your professional experience and how would it help with NRD management?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “I am a Certified Public Accountant and the managing partner of a local CPA firm, specializing in serving small and medium sized businesses. My 30+ years of public accounting experience provides me with an understanding of the budgeting process and the financial aspects of strategic planning, to help lower our property taxes.”
BLAIRTODAY: What’s your final message to voters?
SHAWN MELOTZ: “Not only will I be a voice for the all taxpayers of the District, I will be a strong advocate for the ag community.”
Melotz enters the race with substantial backing from local Republican organizations. The Washington County Nebraska Republican Party has unanimously endorsed her candidacy for the Papio-NRD Board, Subdistrict #1. She’s also secured endorsements from the Burt County Republican Party and Douglas County Republican Party.
Notably, current Papio-Missouri River NRD Board Subdistrict 1 Director Ted Japp has endorsed Melotz to succeed him.
