Nebraska § 31-426 - Employees; contracts for construction and repair; estimates; letting; purchase of machinery; personal interest in contracts prohibited; effect.
Full text of Nebraska Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 31-426 — Employees; contracts for construction and repair; estimates; letting; purchase of machinery; personal interest in contracts prohibited; effect., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-426. Employees; contracts for construction and repair; estimates; letting; purchase of machinery; personal interest in contracts prohibited; effect.
The board of directors shall employ such engineer, surveyor, and other help, as it may deem necessary and proper, and shall proceed according to its best judgment to carry out such work of the character provided for by sections 31-401 to 31-450 as it deems advisable for the public health, convenience and welfare. The board of directors shall in its discretion, from time to time, determine whether the necessary work shall be done by hiring by the day, or by contract. Before any contract shall be let, estimates of the cost thereof shall be made, and the contract price shall not exceed the estimate. No officer or director shall be in any way interested in any such contract, and any such contract shall be void if any officer or director is interested therein, and no recovery shall be had thereon; Provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the board of directors from hiring one of its members by the day to superintend maintenance work within the district. The board of directors shall likewise, when in its judgment it is for the best interest of the district, be empowered to purchase all necessary machinery and equipment for the purpose of maintaining, cleaning out or reconstructing existing ditches, or for the purpose of constructing new ditches within the district, and for such work may hire by the day, week or month, all necessary help.
This section indicates necessity of first, with aid of engineer, making detailed plans of the public work to be done. Haecke v. Eastern Sarpy County Drainage Dist., 141 Neb. 628, 4 N.W.2d 744 (1942).
District, through its officers, is given discretion to adopt and carry out plans for drainage, without ordinarily being required to preserve ditches in perpetuity after once constructed. Compton v. Elkhorn Valley Drainage Dist., 120 Neb. 94, 231 N.W. 685 (1930).
Source: official Nebraska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska § 31-426
What does Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 31-426 cover?
Section 31-426 ("Employees; contracts for construction and repair; estimates; letting; purchase of machinery; personal interest in contracts prohibited; effect.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, the codified statutory law of Nebraska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Nebraska § 31-426?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 31-426" (Nebraska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Nebraska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nebraska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nebraska attorney.
How does Nebraska § 31-426 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nebraska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nebraska.