County rejects city’s latest counter-offers

    The frustration of the Chase County Commissioners was evident July 9 as the board discussed its options with proposed contracts with the City of Imperial.
    “It’s so stupid we have to go to extremes to reach an agreement,” Commissioner Dennis Kunnemann said. “I think most of the public, whether county or city, are wondering what are these screwballs doing?”
    After the Imperial City Council turned down the county’s proposed dispatch agreement, which asked the city to pay $20,000 for the first year, $30,000 for the second year $40,000 for the remainder of a five-year contract, the commissioners stood firm on their offer.
    “We have to stick to our guns,” Commissioner Chuck Vette said.
    With that in mind, the board agreed to give the city 30 days notice that if the contract isn’t signed for $35,000 each year, the county will discontinue dispatch services for the Imperial city police. Services for other entities, such as the fire department, will remain in place.
    “It’s so discouraging to have to do this but it seems like eventually we have to do something to stop this crazy negotiating,” Kunnemann said.
    Commissioner Jacci Brown said she and Kunnemann came in with the thought that the city and county could split the hospital bill and make a new contract to end the dispatch squabbles. At this point, she’s not sure what else to do.
    “I’m done with this,” Brown said. “I feel like the public is over this.”

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