Kearney Voters Reject Proposed $72 Million Law Enforcement Center Development

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Voters Reject $72 Million Law Enforcement Center Proposal

KEARNEY – A majority of voters cast their votes against a proposed $72 million joint Law Enforcement Center. Unofficial tallies on Tuesday, Sept. 9, showed 6,720 against the bond issue and 3,391 in favor.

The current kearney Law Enforcement building, built in the 1940s as a power company headquarters, was remodeled in the early 1990s to accommodate the Kearney Police Department (KPD) and Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). Since 1993, the two agencies have co-located, formalized through several inter-local agreements.

Buffalo County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Sherry Morrow stated co-location has become central to both departments’ culture and hopes it continues. Sheriff Neil Miller echoed this sentiment, noting the approximately 30 joint groups formed between the sheriff’s office and police department have benefited residents. Miller underscored that since 1993,co-location has saved taxpayers an estimated $30 million and is projected to save another $62 million.

The need for an updated facility stems from growing demands on law enforcement. Since 1993, staff numbers have increased from 73 to 130, with projected growth to 200 by 2055. The 911 dispatch center is also operating at capacity, lacking flex space for additional dispatchers.

Architect Jacob Sertich with Wilkins Architecture, Design, Planning, presented the proposed Law Enforcement Center (LEC) project. Plans included a 69,568 square-foot building with a $15 million construction cost. The new facility aimed to address space concerns and consolidate operations currently spread across multiple locations, including the main LEC building(26,825 square feet), an annex (4,940 square feet) and additional space, known as LEC West (8,545 square feet).

What specific concerns regarding the cost to taxpayers were most frequently voiced by Kearney voters?

Kearney Voters Reject Proposed $72 Million Law Enforcement Center Progress

Election results and Initial Reactions

On September 9th,2025,voters in Kearney,Nebraska,decisively rejected a ballot measure proposing a $72 million investment in a new law Enforcement Center. The vote, closely watched by city officials and residents alike, saw the measure fail with approximately 58% of voters casting ballots against the project and 42% in favor. This outcome marks a significant setback for proponents who argued the new facility was crucial for addressing growing public safety needs in the city, which currently has a population of 33,790 (as of the 2020 census).

Initial reactions from city council members have been measured. Mayor Stan Backer released a brief statement acknowledging the voters’ decision and committing to a review of public safety infrastructure needs. concerns are now turning to option solutions for addressing issues within the current law enforcement facilities.

Key Concerns Driving the “No” Vote

Several factors contributed to the rejection of the proposed law Enforcement Center. A coalition of citizen groups actively campaigned against the measure, raising concerns about:

Cost to Taxpayers: The $72 million price tag, to be funded through a property tax increase, was a primary driver of opposition. Many residents expressed concerns about affordability, particularly in the current economic climate.

Alternative Funding options: critics argued that the city hadn’t adequately explored alternative funding sources, such as state or federal grants, before seeking a direct increase in local taxes.

Project Scope & Justification: Some questioned the necessity of a fully new facility, suggesting that renovations or expansions to existing buildings could address the identified issues at a lower cost. Detailed breakdowns of the proposed center’s features and projected usage were requested but deemed insufficient by some voters.

Clarity & Public Input: Concerns were raised regarding the level of public input during the planning stages of the project. Some residents felt their voices weren’t adequately heard.

Details of the Proposed Law Enforcement Center

The proposed facility aimed to address several shortcomings of the current law enforcement infrastructure in Kearney. Plans included:

Increased Capacity: The current jail and police station are operating near capacity, leading to overcrowding and potential safety concerns. The new center was designed to accommodate future growth in the city’s population.

Modernized Facilities: the existing facilities are aging and lack modern amenities, hindering operational efficiency. the proposed center would have included updated technology, improved evidence storage, and dedicated spaces for specialized units.

Enhanced Security: The design incorporated enhanced security features to protect both inmates and law enforcement personnel.

Dedicated Training Areas: A dedicated training area was planned to provide ongoing professional development for officers and staff.

Centralized Dispatch: Consolidating dispatch services into a modern communications center was another key component of the project.

Impact on Kearney’s Public Safety

The rejection of the ballot measure leaves Kearney facing ongoing challenges related to public safety infrastructure.

Continued Overcrowding: The existing jail is highly likely to remain overcrowded, potentially leading to legal challenges and increased risk of incidents.

Delayed Improvements: Necessary upgrades to technology and facilities will be delayed, potentially impacting the effectiveness of law enforcement operations.

Potential for Increased Costs: Deferring the project may ultimately led to higher costs in the future, as the condition of existing facilities continues to deteriorate.

Strain on Existing Resources: the Kearney Police Department and Buffalo county Sheriff’s Office will continue to operate with limited resources, potentially impacting response times and investigative capabilities.

What’s Next for Kearney?

Following the vote, the kearney City Council is expected to:

1. Conduct a Complete Assessment: A thorough assessment of the current law enforcement facilities and infrastructure will be undertaken to identify critical needs and prioritize improvements.
2. Explore Alternative Funding options: The council will explore potential funding sources, including state and federal grants, public-private partnerships, and alternative financing mechanisms.
3. Increase Public Engagement: Efforts will be made to increase public engagement and transparency in the decision-making process. Town hall meetings and online forums will be utilized to gather input from residents.
4. Consider Phased Improvements: A phased approach to improvements, focusing on the most critical needs first, may be considered as a more fiscally responsible alternative to a large-scale project.
5. Review Long-Term Public Safety Plan: A comprehensive review of the city’s long-term public safety plan will be conducted to ensure it aligns with the evolving needs of the community.

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