Lincoln County commissioners on Nov. 10 asked staff for more information on two interlocal agreements with the City of North Platte — a network services (IT) contract and the annual interlocal for road maintenance — and voted to continue both items to allow follow-up.

On the IT agreement, Tyler (county staff) noted the contract language appears to entitle the county to "120 hours per week of network specialist available time" and contains reimbursement clauses for wages, taxes and benefits. Commissioners said they need a historical comparison and a clearer cost breakdown before approving the agreement. Commissioner Hughley volunteered to investigate the contract and compare it to the prior year, and the board agreed to return the item to the agenda after staff and the commissioner complete that review.

The second interlocal — maintenance of roads — prompted sharper debate. Commissioners discussed the year’s draft that removed Viera Drive from the list of roads the city would maintain. Commissioner Bruns and others said removing Viera shifts maintenance burdens to the county; Bruns asked the road committee and highway superintendent to meet with city officials to request that Viera be returned to the agreement. "I had assurances that it would be on the agreement ... it was brought forward to the city council," one commissioner said, and members agreed the roads committee should engage the city directly. The board agreed to table final action and directed the road committee to pursue discussions with the city administrator and street superintendent.

Highway Superintendent Jason Schultz said interlocal agreements are intended to align maintenance responsibilities by geography and reduce duplicate costs. Commissioners requested specific mileage and cost comparisons before returning the agreement for action. The item will return for board consideration after the county’s road committee and staff meet with North Platte representatives.

No formal votes were taken to approve new interlocals; both matters were continued for further review and negotiation.