Red Willow County Navigates Rising Tides: From Dispatch Dollars to Shop Security

McCook Neb.– The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners and Board of Equalization recently convened to address a range of critical county matters, including budget increases, public safety services, and infrastructure maintenance.

The meeting began with the standard Board of Commissioners Meeting proceedings, including the call to order, agenda approval, and review of accounts payable claims. A period for Citizens' Comments was held, though no action could be taken on public input at that time.

The Board of Equalization Meeting then focused on a specific item:

Crystal Dack - Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption

The Board of Commissioners Meeting reconvened to delve into several pressing topics:

County Commissioners Meeting:

• Dispatch Service Agreement with City: Police Chief Kevin Hodgson presented the proposed agreement for dispatching services. The discussion centered on the city's adjusted cost of $107,000, which was a reduction from an initial $116,700. Chief Hodgson explained that this figure represents 15% of the dispatch center's total operating costs, a calculation based on both population distribution between the city and county, and the actual volume of calls handled for the Sheriff's Office. The city also highlighted the impact of inflation and the necessity of competitive wages to retain qualified dispatchers, a point reinforced by a recent wage study. While commissioners acknowledged the indispensable nature of the dispatch service, they expressed concerns about the rising costs. Ultimately, they tentatively agreed to a one-year contract, with the understanding that a more concrete proposal will be sent by the city for a vote at the next commissioners' meeting (scheduled for June 23rd). This approach allows for future discussions on a long-term agreement as state-level guidelines become clearer.

• Setting Date and Time to Open Gravel Bids: A motion was approved to set July 14, 2025, at 9:30 AM as the date and time for the opening of gravel bids.

• Possible Surplus of Equipment: The board discussed the potential disposal of a household hazardous waste Kenworth truck, a district three belly dump trailer, and a flatbed trailer. Due to significant repair costs for both the truck (ranging from $13,000 to $47,000) and the trailers (approximately $15,000 for one), the commissioners voted to surplus all three vehicles. They plan to sell them through an online auction, ensuring full disclosure of their current condition.

• Bringing Internet to Road Shops and Adding Security Cameras: This discussion explored the benefits of bringing internet to county road shops for easier locating tasks, access to safety training videos, and printing needs. The estimated cost for the cheapest internet package was noted at $52 per month. Additionally, the possibility of installing security cameras at the shops was considered, similar to other county facilities like the Courthouse and Fairgrounds, to protect valuable equipment and address concerns about potential theft, particularly of fuel. While some commissioners noted their districts had adequate cell service for hotspots, the general consensus was that individual commissioners could pursue these technological upgrades for their respective shops, provided the costs remained within established purchasing act limits.

The meeting also included several items under the Consent Agenda which were likely approved without extensive discussion:

• Approval of minutes from previous Board of Commissioners and Board of Equalization Meetings.

• Approval of Accounts Payable Claims.

• Approval of the Chairman's Signature on a Liquor License.

Under Correspondence, the board reviewed the NIRMA billing statement for 2025-2026, which was also discussed in detail earlier in the meeting.

Finally, the Clerk of District Court Monthly Revenue Report was presented under Reports.

The board maintains the right to enter executive session if necessary for public interest or to prevent injury to an individual's reputation.