Commission ratifies chairman’s signature on letter supporting WING grant application

Scotts Bluff County commissioners ratified the chairman’s signature on a letter of support for the WING task force grant application by a unanimous vote.

Sheriff Mark Overman told the board the application was time-sensitive and that the county was acting as a fiscal agent for a multi-agency task force. Overman described the grant application as routine and no-cost to the county. He said the WING (drug enforcement/task force) equipment and coordination grants have been submitted in prior years and asked the board to ratify his signature for the current application because of a fast deadline.

A public commenter, Mitch Wagers, urged caution on spending relating to the task force and said he had been personally affected by law-enforcement actions; Overman and another commissioner said they would meet with the commenter to discuss his concerns and that they have historically supported the task force. A motion to ratify the chairman’s signature was made and seconded; the clerk recorded five yes votes and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The ratification allows the county to continue serving as a fiscal agent for the WING task force’s grant application process and supports a multi-agency law-enforcement effort. Public commenters asked commissioners to exercise caution and listen to community members with complaints about law enforcement.

Speakers who addressed the matter included Mark Overman, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff; Mitch Wagers (public commenter); and commissioners present.