City studies annexation

McCOOK, Neb. -- City leaders are looking at hiring a consultant in the near future to provide training on the statutory responsibilities of City Council, as well as what it would entail to annex property into city limits. Both items will likely be brought before City Council for formal consideration within the next three months, according to City Manager Nate Schneider.

During last week's City Council meeting Schneider indicated broad-based training for council members was uncommon in his experience and he thought it could benefit McCook and other councils in the region.

Schneider said a program being offered by Miller & Associates would go through the "in and outs of councils," and would provide workshop type material related to statutory responsibilities. He said the program is being offered at an affordable rate with the possibility of other city councils joining in as a cost-saving option.

"From our discussions this program really isn't that expensive," said Schneider, indicating initial estimates were in the $500 range. "It might be beneficial, not just to us, but to other councils," he said.

City leaders indicated researching annexation has been on their minds for some time. Mayor Mike Gonzales said it was among several goals set during the tenure of former City Manager Jeff Hancock and he thought research on the topic would be a benefit to everyone.

"To be truthful, I don't really know that much about it, so if we could get somebody in here and kind of [explain] the dos and donts and how and whys, that would be beneficial for all of us I think," said Gonzales.

Schneider agreed and touted the benefits of training in any situation, while indicating additional information would help the city determine whether annexation is even something it wants to pursue.

"I want to make sure that we all kind of know, where we start, what the process is, and then we decide whether it's something we want to do or not do," said Schneider.

Schneider said city staff was considering both items, annexation and the statutory workshop, and would most likely be presenting the items for City Council approval within the next three months.