Resident tells MacGregor council emergency response and records processes erode public trust

Brent McCain, a McGregor-area resident, told the MacGregor City Council on Oct. 13 that a recent emergency call for help — for a grandson's pet alpaca experiencing a medical emergency — was met with a refusal to assist and difficulty reaching dispatch.

McCain said he was out of town when the incident occurred and that his wife could not get lifting assistance. He said dispatch told her “we don't do that,” and that subsequent public‑information requests were slow and difficult to obtain. “When someone calls for help, they deserve to be taken seriously,” McCain said.

McCain framed the incident as part of a larger pattern of “unprofessional behavior” across city emergency services and governmental offices that, he said, erodes public trust and sends a message that “some people don't matter.” He said he filed a public‑information request and encountered hurdles collecting the records he sought.

Mayor/council staff acknowledged the complaint and said they would investigate and provide follow-up. The council asked staff to look up the federal grievance procedure for the housing authority and to try to locate a regional representative who could advise on complaints. City staff said they would coordinate with council members and report back.

The council did not take formal action related to McCain's complaint during the meeting. The discussion concluded with staff promising follow-up and a request from the resident to provide additional documentation after the meeting.