KEARNEY, Neb. - Leaders from Kearney and Buffalo County gathered Wednesday to discuss and promote the newly-proposed $72 million law enforcement center and why they believe it’s crucial for the future.

The major investment in public safety is set to go on the ballot this fall for Buffalo County voters, with city and county leaders saying this is more than just a building.

It's about continuing a decades-long partnership that's kept law enforcement services connected and efficient

"In Buffalo County and City of Kearney together, this has become our culture. We don't really think about doing anything else other than doing it together. If we want to do something, we ask them, 'are you interested in being a part of this?' This isn't something that just popped up 30 years ago. This has a long, long history of us being together. Going forward we're hoping that it's going to have a much, much longer history going forward," said Buffalo County Board of Commissioners Chair Sherry Morrow.

The proposed new law enforcement center would consolidate Kearney Police and the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office into a purpose-built 100,000 square foot facility attached to the existing courthouse and jail in Kearney.

"I know I can count on the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office to help our men and women out with their staff as well. That's been so influential, so beneficial all the way across the board. Shared resources, shared staff to some degree, and it's helped. It's a force multiplier. I would like to continue that. I think it's beneficial for community, beneficial for taxpayers, beneficial for officers and staff," said Kearney Police Department Operations Captain Kevin Thompson.

The $72 million project would replace the current facility, originally a 1940s power company building, and it will provide much-needed additional parking, a new 911 center, and room for long-term growth.

Police say they need more space to accommodate for the recent growth in Kearney and the county.

"We've planned this facility so that it will accommodate the needs of the law enforcement community for the next 30 plus years. We have planned for future growth of the law enforcement community to then grow proportionally again with the community," said Managing Principal of Wilkins Architecture Jacob Sertich.

Wilkins Architecture, Design & Planning is the architect for the project, with MCL construction being selected for building the proposed facility. 

The bond measure would increase the county levy by an estimated six cents. Voters can see renderings, ask questions and utilize a tax calculator on this dedicated website. 

Mail-in ballots will be sent out August 18th and are due by September 9th, and if passed, construction would begin in 2026 with the facility opening in late 2028.

Town halls will be held across the county throughout August to answer voter questions.