(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported to Commissioners during their April 17 meeting that the Southeast Regional Governing Committee has approved Richardson County joining the Committee, which will allow the County to obtain Managed Call Handling, Lumen, through the Century Link Master Service Agreement, Public Safety version.

This will allow the Sheriffs Department to be part of a 14-county consortium that is able to save money on required equipment and programs.

Sheriff Hardesty also reviewed the status of a patrol vehicle that was deemed a total loss by the insurance company after hitting a deer April 1.

After a final settlement is made with the insurance company plans will be made to replace the vehicle.

The Sheriff also noted that F & M Bank had donated $100 for the benefit of the Drug Dog program in Richardson County.

In other business the Board received the annual report from Susan Keholm, Development Director at Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership.

Commissioners also approved a proclamation declaring May as Community Action Month in Richardson County.

Chief Probation Officer Melanie Stormer presented an update on statistics in regards to probation services in Richardson County and reviewed the budget for the department and expenditures planned for fiscal year 24-25.

A purchase order was approved for a 40-inch roll laminator for the Emergency Management Agency at a cost of $3,120, and additional funding for Region V Systems in an amount of $3,961 was approved the fiscal year 24-25, making the counties total due for the year $19,674.