Douglas County Demands Financial Changes for Duet Disability Services

Commissioners threaten to cut funding if provider doesn't restructure and increase oversight within 6 months

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:04pm

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The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted to continue funding Duet, a disability services provider, only if the organization meets certain conditions within the next six months. These include providing audits, increasing oversight, and possible restructuring. Duet has faced financial challenges, leading to dozens of staff layoffs and the sale of over 20 properties. Families who rely on Duet's services are worried about the potential loss of funding.

Why it matters

Duet provides critical services to nearly 400 people with disabilities in the Omaha area. The potential loss of county funding could jeopardize these vital programs and leave vulnerable residents without the care they depend on. The commissioners' demands for greater financial transparency and accountability reflect concerns about Duet's management and the responsible use of public funds.

The details

At a recent meeting of the Eastern Nebraska Human Services Agency (ENHSA) board, Duet's financial troubles were discussed, including dozens of staff layoffs and the listing of more than 20 Duet-owned properties for sale. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, which provides oversight for Duet through the ENHSA, voted to continue funding the organization only if it meets several conditions within the next six months, including providing audits, increasing oversight, and potentially restructuring.

  • The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted on the funding conditions at a meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • Duet has six months to make the required changes to avoid losing its county funding.

The players

Douglas County Board of Commissioners

The governing body that provides oversight and funding for Duet, a disability services provider in the Omaha area.

Duet

A disability services organization that provides care to nearly 400 people in the Omaha area, governed by the Eastern Nebraska Human Services Agency (ENHSA).

Tiffany Milone

The agency director of Duet, who acknowledged the organization's concerns regarding transparency and accountability.

Mary Ann Borgeson

The commissioner who leads the board that governs Duet.

Jason Fezette

A Duet client whose legal guardian, Michelle Peklo, expressed concerns about the potential loss of funding.

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What they’re saying

“I understand their concerns regarding transparency and accountability, and I share that those are important.”

— Tiffany Milone, Duet Agency Director

“I think that the steps have already been taken to hold people accountable.”

— Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County Commissioner

“He gets out and about, which is extraordinary considering all of his medical needs, and his physical and intellectual disabilities. I'm kind of devastated about the whole thing. I don't think they understand the need for the services that Duet provides.”

— Michelle Peklo, Jason Fezette's Legal Guardian

“People like Jennifer need to be cared for.”

— John McCormick, Jennifer McCormick's Brother

What’s next

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners will evaluate Duet's progress in meeting the required conditions within the next six months to determine if the organization's funding will be continued.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of financial transparency and accountability for organizations that receive public funding to provide critical services to vulnerable populations. The potential loss of Duet's services would have a significant impact on the lives of nearly 400 people with disabilities in the Omaha area, underscoring the need for responsible management and oversight of these vital programs.