Commissioners hear reports, table vaccine funding

McCOOK, Neb. - The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners will not provide an extra $20,000 to the Red Willow County Health Department for vaccines, because for now, the department remains within budget.

Rhea Hernandez, director of the Red Willow County Health Department, asked commissioners for an additional $20,000 to maintain the department’s vaccine supply. Hernandez said the funding would help the department purchase vaccines for local children and students while covering rising costs and increasing demand. Hernandez reminded commissioners, “Research consistently shows that every $1 spent on childhood vaccines saves approximately $10 in direct medical costs.”

Though Commissioners acknowledged the increased costs, they ultimately decided the additional funds were not needed immediately because the department still had sufficient room in its overall budget. Commissioner Randy Dean pointed out that the health department had used only about two-thirds of its total budget so far this year and could exceed the vaccine line item if necessary as long as the department stayed within its overall budget. “Just because one line item is going to go over budget… it’s the total budget that we’re looking at,” Dean said.

After further discussion, Dean moved to table the request and the motion was approved on a 3-0 vote.

A visit from Janell Anderson Ehrke, candidate for the District 38 Legislature was included on the agenda. Ehrke introduced herself to the board and discussed her candidacy and priorities for the district. Ehrke, who is currently the Chief Operating officer of GROW Nebraska.

Ehrke emphasized growth initiatives focused on supporting agriculture and small businesses as the backbone of rural Nebraska and leveraging existing institutions like McCook Community College as a major growth engine.

Ehrke acknowledged property tax as a major concern, does not want taxation to be a reason for people to leave the state and proposed exploring ways to broaden the tax base.

Ehrke’s comments drew the most agreement when she discussed redistricting, pointing out that the current 38th district separated McCook from half its trade area. Ehreke said, “It makes no sense to me.”

Ehreke concluded by saying, “If elected, you’re going to see me, because McCook’s extremely important to me. I have relatives here, family connections.” Ehrke pledged, “You can always keep my feet to the fire if I’m not doing what you think I need to do.”

The commissioners thanked Ehrke for her visit and for sharing her perspectives.

Tasha Wulf of the Red Willow County Extension Office also presented the office’s annual report to commissioners, outlining the range of programs delivered within Red Willow and across surrounding counties. Wulf explained that Extension educators based in McCook collaborate with staff in neighboring counties to deliver education in areas such as early childhood development, agriculture and community health.

The office focuses on connecting university resources with local needs rather than duplicating services already available in the community, saying, “Extension always wants to use what’s already out there. We don’t try to duplicate.” No action was taken, but commissioners thanked Wulf for the report and for the office’s continued work in the county.

Under the consent agenda, commissioners approved a Special Designated License for the Roundup Bar and Grill in Indianola and the fair board’s surplus designation for the Methodist Food Booth building.

The board acknowledged receipt of a Notice of Special Exception Hearing from the City of McCook and an update from the Red Willow County Treasurer regarding public tax sales. 65 parcels sold for a total of $119,611.53 collected on unpaid taxes. The board also received the monthly revenue report from the Clerk of the District Court, indicating income of $1,527.53

Finally, the board entered closed session to discuss a personnel matter. No action was taken following the closed session.