Commissioners change mower purchase

McCOOK, Neb. — Assured that the original winning bidder would not object, Red Willow County Commissioners awarded a bid to Heartland New Holland for a Schulte XH1000 mower for $36,500, expected to be delivered in July.

Originally, AKRS Equipment of McCook won the bid for the mower for $23,200, but it could not be delivered until December.

Besides being available for this year’s mowing season, the more expensive mower is more suitable for heavy-duty work.

Commissioner Charles Fritsche abstained from the vote since he is an AKRS employee. He also said he had received verbal assurance that the company would not object to changing the bid. Last week, the commissioners requested a letter to that effect, but it has not yet been received.

While the county had only budgeted $30,000 for the mower, it won’t be delivered until the next fiscal budget.

As part of the consent agenda, commissioners approved an agreement with the City of McCook to provide dispatching services to the county.

The contract included a 3% increase, from $71,401 a year to $73,543.

Commissioners speculated that the city would probably not be inclined to reduce that amount, despite the county sheriff’s office being down to one officer, Sheriff Kevin Darling, since the retirement of the former sheriff and a deputy.

A new sheriff’s deputy is expected to join the department soon, however, increasing the department to two.

The consent agenda also included interlocal agreements with Furnas and Frontier counties regarding law enforcement, and approval of a special designated liquor license for Ambriz Ventures LLC, for an event sponsored by Nebraska Bull Services.

Monday’s agenda also included two executive sessions, one for a personnel issue and another for pending or potential litigations.