West Ward offer deserves consideration

When the possibility of the city of McCook buying the East Ward School property came up, the council decided to pass. The problem, in the opinion of council members, was East Ward's residential location, which would make it inappropriate as the operational center for McCook's police and fire departments.

But, now, the former West Ward School property has become available, and that is a whole different matter.

Due to its location across the street east of the McCook Memorial Auditorium, West Ward presents many more options. Also, at $50,000, the price is right for the square block of property on which the former school building sits.

For that reason, Red Willow County's commissioners are going to take a closer look. After hearing about the availability of the property, the commissioners went into closed session. When they came out, the commissioners announced they will be touring the West Ward School property during their meeting next Monday, Oct. 3.

The county's interest could be two-fold. First, it might be a possible site for a new jail, which is now the subject of intense study, and second, the vacated school building could serve as additional office space for county.

Before a decision is finalized, however, the city of McCook also needs to take a close look at the merits of purchasing the West Ward site, either by itself or in partnership with the county.

Up to this time, the city and county have had trouble getting together on a police and fire safety center to serve both McCook and Red Willow County citizens. However, the idea should not be dropped because there are advantages in cooperation, including the efficiency of sharing equipment and personnel.

Jon Morrison, who bought the building from the school, is making it available because his plans for a restaurant and lodging facility fell through. The price he is asking, $50,000, is less than he paid. If the city or county does buy the property, he is asking that any facility built there be named in honor of his father, the late Gov. Frank B. Morrison.

The West Ward offer is deserving of careful consideration by both the city and county. Commissioners and council members both need to take a look, then meet to decide if either, or both, should acquire the 14,250 square foot building and the square block of property which surrounds it.-