IT contract reinstated

McCOOK, Neb. — After a second executive session with County Attorney Paul Wood, Red Willow County Commissioners reinstated a contract with an information technology provider until the contract terminates in October 2023.

On May 13, the board approved an IT service contract with 20/20 Technologies for the Red Willow County sheriff’s office and jail. Monday’s motion reinstated a contract with Honor Bound IT, which expires this October.

The motion passed unanimously.

Acting as a board of equalization, commissioners approved seven tax roll corrections, all homestead exemptions from 2020.

Commissioner Randy Dean said he sympathized with the homeowners who found they now owed back taxes for real estate because income levels to qualify for the exemptions had been adjusted.

Brandy Bird, director of the Red Willow County Health Department, received approval for $7,875 in new carpet tiles for the department’s office, but installation, by Sammy Floor Covering & Furniture, but was also directed to obtain more informal bids for new cabinets, which will delay the installation of the carpet.

American Rescue Plan Act funding will be used to replace the carpet, which is at least 20 years old. Bird said the staff was concerned the old carpet, besides being worn out, was a tripping hazard for visiting clients.

Commissioners also accepted a check for $2,301 from a grant obtained by the McCook Community Foundation Fund to purchase a new, specialized freezer for storing vaccines.

Cindy Huff, chairman of the MCFF, and Ronda Graff, MCFF coordinator explained that while in this case, the MCFF is paying for the freezer outright, they prefer to partner with other entities for such projects.

Dean noted that the MCFF, for example, had helped purchase new flat-screen TVs for every room at Hillcrest Nursing Home, where he is a board member.

Red Willow County District Judge Patrick Heng informed commissioners fees for court-appointed attorneys would be increased to $125 an hour July 1, up from the $100 an hour rate that had been in effect since 2009.

While Red Willow County has a public defender, court-appointed attorneys are appointed when he is unable to defend some defendants.

Heng Red Willow County spent about $130,000 for court-appointed attorneys last year and is on track for about $120,000 this year.

The judge said he makes few appointments since they are usually done at the county court level.

He said there is a shortage of attorneys in the McCook area able to accept such appointments, and said attorneys “up north” indicated they would stop accepting court-appointed clients for less than $125 an hour.

“Get ready to print your pink postcards,” quipped Commission Chairman Ted Gans, referring to a new system notifying property owners of proposed tax increases.

Commissioners also reviewed a letter from the Nebraska Tax Equalization & Review Commission indicating local valuations meet legal requirements.