Chamber director to oversee tourism on interim basis

McCOOK, Neb. - Until a new director is identified, the McCook Chamber of Commerce will act as the Interim Tourism Director for Red Willow County. That was one of the few takeaways from a short, year-end meeting of the Red Willow County Board of Commissioners and Board of Equalization on Monday morning.

The meeting opened as usual at 8:30 a.m. with consideration of accounts payable and payroll claims. At 9 a.m., the board invited citizen comments. McCook resident Ben Lashly spoke to the board about a range of issues, including changes to the tourism board and the redevelopment of city properties, including the Keystone Hotel and St. Catherine’s Hospital.

No action was taken.

On the day’s consent agenda, the board authorized the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Durango for the Sheriff’s Department for $36,710, utilizing inheritance funds. The board also voted to approve the Independent Accountant Report as submitted by Donald D. Wilson, CPA. Commissioner Randy Dean shared the conclusion of the report in which Wilson said, “In my opinion, Red Willow County complied in all material respects with the specified requirements reference above during the year ended June 30 of 2025.”

The last consent item was the authorization of the Chairman’s Signature on the Contract with the McCook Chamber of Commerce as Interim Tourism Director. Chairman Ted Gans specified that the contract included $3,000 in monthly compensation, plus eight paid holidays per year.

All items passed on a 3-0 vote.

The Board of Equalization convened to address tax-related items. County Assessor Lori Stevens presented two tax roll corrections, including both a credit for a Homestead exemption and a property exemption of $1,079.56 for Community Hospital. Both matters were approved on a 3-0 vote.

County Treasurer Crystal Dack also addressed the board during the equalization session. Motor Vehicle tax exemptions for non-profit organizations, she described as “basically renewals.”

The council approved renewing motor vehicle tax exemptions for 43 vehicles owned by nine nonprofit organizations. The exemptions included two vehicles for Evangelical Free Church of McCook, five vehicles for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 15 vehicles for Community Hospital and 12 vehicles for Southwest Area Training Service. Additional exemptions were approved for two vehicles owned by Memorial United Methodist Church, three vehicles owned by Hillcrest Nursing Home, two vehicles owned by the Hillcrest Foundation, one vehicle owned by the McCook Humane Society, and one vehicle owned by First Assembly of God.

In total, the motion approved 43 motor vehicle tax exemptions across nine nonprofit organizations.

The Board of Commissioners then reconvened at 9:24 a.m. to continue its regular agenda.

Under correspondence, commissioners reviewed information from the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment regarding water levels at Schlegel Reservoir. The order specifies that the dam neither increase holdings nor release any.

Gans noted the review of the sheriff’s civil docket report as part of the monthly reports. The reported total revenue brought in was $1,049.40. No specific details or discussion of the civil docket report were presented at the meeting; the board acknowledged the report.

Sheriff Kevin Darling provided an update on a new “sheriff’s app” being launched to address the challenges inherent in social media. The app will include features such as a tip line, warrant list, photo submission for incidents (with geo-location), gun permit information, jail roster and an ability to send alerts. The app is expected to be available for download in the second week of January.

Darling also noted that the department had completed the state-mandated law enforcement accreditation, which is expected to help it qualify for future grants. Additional internal policy updates and improvements to job descriptions are in progress.

Last, the Commissioners discussed the terms of the visitors committee members Daniel Stramel, Chris Wagner, and Natalie Alred, whose terms were set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025.

Randy Dean moved to nominate Chris Wagner, Jesse Stevens and Veronica Waddell for tending on December 31, 2029.

Motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:36 a.m. The next meeting will be held on January 12, 2026.