Commissioners approve support for MEDC

The Arrowhead townhouse project adjacent to Our Savior's Lutheran Church is bringing some much-needed housing to McCook.

Bruce Crosby/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — The Red Willow County Commissioners voted unanimously to increase their annual financial support for the McCook Economic Development Corp. by 10%, raising the contribution from $2,500 to $2,750 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This decision reflects an acknowledgment of rising costs and a commitment to support MEDC’s ongoing and future housing projects to address local housing needs.

MEDC representatives Charlie McPherson and Amanda Engell provided updates on several housing initiatives, including two nearing completion: the North Pointe development and the Arrowhead townhome project. North Pointe, located north of Q Street, comprises five single-family homes priced between $350,000 and $400,000. These homes, now including finished basements, are expected to be fully completed by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the Arrowhead development near Our Savior's Lutheran Church will offer six single-level townhomes targeted at residents seeking low-maintenance housing. These units are scheduled to be finished before the end of the year, and an open house is planned for December.

One of five homes in the North Pointe project in northwest McCook has been sold and all are expected to be completed yet this year.

Bruce Crosby/McCook Gazette

MEDC also highlighted other housing developments, including a project near the Copper Mill neighborhood that is expected to add three additional single-family homes by mid-2025. These projects, coupled with potential new developments in 2025, aim to provide a range of housing options, from upscale family homes to more "sustainably attainable" homes designed for long-term investment potential.

Beyond residential construction, MEDC is exploring opportunities to expand commercial and retail spaces to attract businesses, especially in the North Pointe area, where new retail and commercial lots will be available. Additionally, MEDC reported progress on McCook Business Park’s final phase, which includes installing a rail track to support local businesses such as Performance Plus, a feed supplement producer.

In reviewing accounts payable, commissioners delayed paying a bill for new internet cabling in the district court for a couple of weeks until the work was completed and paid a bill for prisoner meals, despite the county jail still being closed. Commissioners plan to negotiate with the meal provider to keep their services until the jail reopens.

Commissioners approved a $942.17 tax roll correction for a double-wide home that was moved out of the county, and 59 distress warrants totaling $146,068.91 in unpaid taxes on personal property and mobile homes on leased land. While one of the warrants exceeds $100,000, the number of warrants is not unusual, said County Treasurer Crystal Dack.

A report on the county’s downscaled Household Hazardous Waste program showed the collection of 6,333 pounds of paint, 2,723 pounds of pesticides, 478 pounds of light bulbs, and 2,315 pounds of flammable liquids, which are expected to be shipped out as quickly as possible.

Commissioners also approved a letter of compliance with Medicare rules for Hillcrest Nursing Home, authorized a signature on a revised Nebraska Department of Transportation map designating rural and urban areas, and reviewed a letter of approval from the Department of Environment and Energy for Ruggles Farms Inc.’s expanded livestock feeding operation.