McCook City Council: New Ambulance, Nuisance Property Progress, and Sports Complex Advances

McCook, Neb. – The McCook City Council covered a full agenda Monday night, ranging from community clean-up efforts to updates on the much-anticipated sports complex. All members were present except Councilman Darcy Rambally, who was excused.

New Ambulance Now in Service

Residents will soon have the chance to see McCook’s newest ambulance up close. The upgraded Horton 4WD model was partially funded by a $75,000 grant, making it a cost-effective addition to the city’s emergency services fleet.

Water System Meeting Scheduled

A public meeting is set for tomorrow at noon in the City Council Chambers to discuss potential upgrades to McCook’s water system. Officials encourage residents to attend and provide input as planning for future improvements begins.

Routine Business Moves Forward

The council quickly approved several standard items, including:

• Minutes from the July 7 and 8 meetings

• The June financial report and claims

• Final payment for Rotary Fan Press Equipment

• A loan agreement for the new ambulance

• A temporary street closure July 28–Aug. 1 near the new Community Hospital dorm facility for utility work

Nuisance Property Program Making Progress

Emma Castor of the West Central Nebraska Development District reported solid progress in cleaning up nuisance properties:

• 240 properties reviewed in the current cycle

• 87 properties cleaned and cleared

• 7 officially declared nuisances

• 12 approved for city-ordered abatement due to ongoing violations such as scrap materials, tires, and unlicensed vehicles

Several properties were also removed from the nuisance list after significant cleanup. Mayor Linda Taylor thanked Castor for her work, noting the effort has already made visible improvements across the community.

Verizon Lease Request Discussed, No Action Taken

The council discussed—but took no action on—Verizon’s request to renegotiate its water tower leases. The company proposed either reducing monthly rent from $4,800 to $1,200 per tower or making a lump-sum payment in exchange for a 50-year agreement.

Council members voiced concerns about losing long-term revenue, agreeing to revisit the issue after the current leases expire in 2–3 years.

Sports Complex Gains Momentum

The city’s long-awaited sports complex is moving closer to reality:

• Final selections for turf color, dugout roofs, and scoreboards are complete.

• A $15.64 million bond anticipation note sale was secured at a favorable 4.61% interest rate, funding initial infrastructure work.

• Growing retail interest in nearby commercial lots suggests the project could boost future economic development.

Congressman to Visit Sports Complex Site

U.S. Representative Adrian Smith will tour the sports complex site on July 31, underscoring the regional interest in the project. Smith is expected to discuss other city initiatives while in McCook.