City Manager Responds to WEC Transition Questions
- Anna LaBay
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
August 27, 2025
McCOOK, Neb. — Community member Jason Hilker recently submitted a detailed list of questions to city and county officials regarding the transition of the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) and its possible impacts on McCook. Both McCook News Now and The McCook Gazette were copied on the request.
City Manager Nate Schneider invited local media to meet so he could provide clarification to the extent possible. Many of Hilker’s questions reach into state and federal jurisdictions, leaving city officials without direct answers.
“We weren’t part of the planning conversation,” Schneider said. “This is a state facility, and the decisions being made are at the state and federal level, not the city of McCook. Our first notice came when the Governor visited the Saturday before his announcement.”
Questions and Responses (Summary)
Grant/Proposal – The City was not part of the grant or proposal process and has not seen any documents. Estimated costs, contractors, or assurances of future use after the initial 365-day contract remain unknown.
Airport – The City was not contacted about airport use. Federal grant assurances require that the airport be open to government aircraft, and the city cannot deny access. No estimates, contracts, or staffing increases have been discussed locally. Shuttle use, TSA needs, and terminal arrangements are unknown.
National Guard/ICE – No information has been shared with the City regarding housing, vehicle rentals, number of personnel, or transportation plans.
State Patrol – It is unclear whether the Governor’s statement about “six patrol jobs” refers to McCook or to the state as a whole. For officer safety, staffing questions should be directed to the Nebraska State Patrol’s public information office.
Funding – City officials have no information beyond the $9.5 million state-to-federal funding shift. How shortfalls, surpluses, or reimbursements will be handled has not been communicated locally.
Authorities/Meetings – The meeting observed in the Keystone Building was an MEDC Executive Committee meeting with invited guests. No quorum of city council or county commissioners was present, and no official city or county business was conducted.
The Public Information Officer (PIO) role was established as a contracted consultant ($2,400 split between the City, MEDC, and possibly the county). It is not a city staff position. Per city code, the city manager is authorized to approve small professional service contracts under $50,000 without requiring council action; the PIO contract falls under that threshold.
Community Leadership – The mayor has not scheduled a statement or press conference. No public Q&A or council meeting is planned at this time, as no substantive information has been received from the state or federal government.
Other Impacts – Inmate labor previously used for cemetery trimming and fire department support will be absorbed by staff. Rumors that the ballpark project has been paused are false; officials confirmed the project is moving forward with voter-approved funding.
Closing
Schneider emphasized that the city was not involved in the decision to transition the Work Ethic Camp and is awaiting the same information as the public.
“When we have facts, we’ll share them,” he said. “Right now, most decisions are in the hands of the state and federal government. Our responsibility is to keep McCook moving forward.
The full list of question and answers is available on the McCook News Now website linked below for easy access.
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