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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.

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.

Kearney Nebraska Law Enforcement

Buffalo County Public Safety

Kearney City Council

Nebraska property taxes

Law Enforcement Center Funding

Jail Overcrowding Nebraska

Public Safety Infrastructure

Kearney Nebraska News

Local elections Kearney

* Police Station Funding

What actions should residents of Hall,Hamilton,york,Adams,Greeley,Howard,Sherman,and Custer counties take now that a severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued?

Central Nebraska Faces Potential Severe Weather Threat This Evening

Understanding the Risk: Severe Thunderstorms & Potential Tornadoes

Central Nebraska is under a heightened weather alert this evening,August 4th,2025. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm watch for several counties, with conditions favorable for the progress of severe weather, including large hail, damaging winds, and perhaps tornadoes. Residents should stay informed and prepared for rapidly changing conditions. This isn’t just a typical summer storm; the atmospheric setup is conducive to notably hazardous weather events.

Key Areas Under watch

The following counties are currently included in the Severe Thunderstorm Watch:

Hall County

Hamilton County

York County

Adams County

Greeley County

Howard County

Sherman County

Custer County

This list is subject to change, so continuous monitoring of weather updates is crucial.Check the NWS website (https://www.weather.gov/) for the most current information.

Specific Threats & What to Expect

The primary threats associated with these storms are:

Large Hail: Hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter are possible, capable of causing meaningful damage to vehicles, roofs, and crops.

Damaging Winds: Straight-line winds could gust up to 70 mph, potentially downing trees and power lines. Wind damage is a major concern, especially in areas with older trees.

Tornado Potential: While not a widespread tornado outbreak, the atmospheric conditions support the possibility of isolated tornadoes. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.

Heavy Rainfall: Localized flooding is possible due to intense rainfall rates within the storms. Be aware of flash flood potential, particularly in low-lying areas.

Staying Informed: Resources & Alerts

Staying ahead of the storm is paramount.Here’s how to access critical information:

1. National Weather Service (NWS): https://www.weather.gov/ – The official source for weather watches, warnings, and forecasts.
2. Local News channels: Tune into yoru local television and radio stations for up-to-date coverage.
3. Weather Apps: Download a reliable weather app on your smartphone for real-time alerts. Popular options include AccuWeather,The Weather Channel,and RadarScope.
4. NOAA Weather Radio: A specific frequency radio that broadcasts weather information directly from the NWS.
5. Emergency Alert System (EAS): Pay attention to EAS alerts broadcast on television and radio.

Preparing Your Home & Family: Safety Checklist

Proactive preparation can substantially reduce risk.Here’s a checklist to ensure your safety:

Secure Outdoor Objects: Bring in or secure any loose outdoor items like patio furniture, trash cans, and decorations.

Vehicle Safety: If possible, move vehicles into a garage or carport.

Emergency kit: Ensure your emergency kit is stocked with essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a battery-powered radio.

Family Dialog Plan: Discuss a family communication plan in case of separation.

Know Your Shelter: Identify a safe room or basement in your home where you can take shelter during a severe thunderstorm or tornado. If you don’t have a basement, an interior room on the lowest level of your home is the next best option.

Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. Be prepared.

Warning: Severe weather is occurring or is imminent*. Take immediate action.

Similarly, understand the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning. A watch means conditions are right for tornadoes to form. A warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar.

Ancient Context: Nebraska Severe Weather Events

Nebraska has a history of significant severe weather events. In May 2024,a series of severe thunderstorms swept across the state,causing widespread damage from hail and wind.