FAIRBURY, Neb. -- Jefferson County is asking its residents to be a part of the county’s future and join them Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. at the 4-H Building at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. 

The county will be holding a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Update Town Hall Meeting which will take a dive into what the future of the county will look like. 

“It’s just kind of looking into that crystal ball,” said John McKee, Planning and Zoning Administrator for Jefferson County. "What’s it going to be like 10 years out."

Every 10 years, the county is required to update the plan. The meetings that began involving residents in the county began in 2001, and the community participation was a hit. 

“More community participation, he consultants really recommended this,” McKee said. "They are doing it across the board and in surrounding counties. They are finding a lot of positive feedback from it.”

People will be able to participate in discussion and ask questions during the meeting. McKee said that everyone’s questions at the meeting will be answered. 

“Well, anybody that has questions, be patient,” said McKee. “We will get to them and answer questions.”

For those who can’t attend the event in person, they can give the office a call. 

“They can give our office a call,” McKee said. “If we can’t answer that question, we will get a hold of our consultants and we will get an answer for them.”

McKee views this as a way for residents to get an understanding on some of the regulations of the Planning and Zoning Department, as well as a view into the future growth and development of the county. 

“If we can educate a few and the talk spreads throughout the rest of the country, maybe people won’t be building things when they shouldn’t be building,” McKee said.

The county is encouraging members of the community to join the meeting, in order to make their voices heard.

“People say they have never had input,” McKee said. "Well, let’s help with a comprehensive plan and then see where that goes from there. This is their opportunity to talk."

Those who are interested in attending can also fill out a county survey online, at the Jefferson County Courthouse or the Planning and Zoning Administrator's Office. 

The survey is required to be completed by July 31.