(KLZA)-- In a letter addressed to Richardson County Commission Chairman David Sickel, Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang proposed a termination agreement to the dispatching contract Richardson County entered into  in 2021.

In the letter Lang says in an effort to reduce the consternation the agreement has caused everyone, the Southeast Nebraska 911 Center in Beatrice would be willing to terminate the contract for $360 thousand, minus the amount Richardson County has paid which is currently $90 thousand resulting in a buyout amount of $270 thousand.

In addition, Lang asks that both parties agree that no disparaging comments be made about any of the involved parties.

Richardson County sent a letter dated December 4, seeking to terminate the agreement.

At one point all of the rural fire and rescue agencies in Richardson County reported they were looking forward to the new service and no longer receiving pages from the Falls City Police Department.

The letter says SE Nebraska 911 has been unable to receive any cooperation from the Falls City Police Department or Sheriff Hardesty to redirect cell phone towers to insure 911 calls go to the Southeast 911 Center.  

Southeast Nebraska 911 Center has incurred various expenses and has been ready to provide dispatch services since the beginning of the contract. The letter says the fact the Richardson County Sheriff's Office and rural Fire and Rescue agencies choose not to utilize the services offered in the contract does not negate the contract.  

Richardson County Commissioners discussed the content of the letter during their February 1, meeting.  Commissioners will review the letter further during their February 8 meeting.