Nebraska Auditor Alleges Wayne County Commissioner Misused $600 Menards Rebates

Wayne County Commissioner Dean Burbach is accused of misusing Menards rebates earned through county purchases for personal benefit, with allegations involving purchases ranging from prank items to lumber. Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley's office investigated a three-month period and found around $600 worth of rebates redeemed under Burbach's name that should have been returned to the county. Burbach acknowledged occasional personal purchases made during county transactions but denied knowingly redeeming county-earned rebates for himself, a claim the auditor deemed implausible. The case was referred to the Nebraska Attorney General and other authorities for further review, although a full financial audit was deemed unnecessary due to annual county audits. Burbach has expressed intentions to repay the county for the personal expenditures, which included items like blankets, kitchen supplies, and children's toys, totaling nearly $245. The Auditor's office recommended that Wayne County implement procedures to properly track and manage rebates in the future to prevent similar misuse.