AUBURN, Neb. (AP) — A Nemaha County commissioner is defending his colleague who publicly apologized for using a racial slur during a Thursday board meeting in Auburn.

Commissioner Bob Hutton had used a racial expletive at a meeting Wednesday as the council discussed the use of decorative rock over mulch for the courthouse lawn. Hutton, concerned that children would sling the rocks at the courthouse windows, described slingshots using an expletive. Board Chairman Dennis Witmann and County Clerk Joyce Oakley had reprimanded Hutton during the meeting.

In a written statement issued Thursday, Hutton apologized and said he spoke without thinking. He described the expletive as a term he had heard as a child.

Commissioner Marvin Bohling disputed claims Thursday that his colleague was a racist. Bohling doesn’t believe any more disciplinary action is needed in the case. But he promised the board would take additional actions if constituents express more concerns.