BROKEN BOW, Neb. – Broken Bow City Council met for a regular meeting Tuesday night.
Jose Ambriz was appointed as a new police officer to the Broken Bow Police Department. As a result, Mayor Rod Sonnichsen stated that the department will be 100% staffed heading into the year 2026. Ambriz was sworn in by Police Chief Steve Scott.
Ambriz is a Broken Bow native, attending school in town before graduating from Ansley Public Schools. Broken Bow Police Sergeant Chris Henderson encouraged Ambriz to apply to the opening at the department.
Ambriz was recently employed at Hall County Corrections in Grand Island and indicated that he is returning in part because of family and friends in the area.
“This is a really good town to raise your kids in as well,” said Ambriz, who will attend training at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center with a projected graduation in December.
City renews insurance with League Association of Risk Management (LARM)
In other business, the council was asked to approve an updated insurance plan for the City of Broken Bow. City Administrator Dave Schmidt indicated the city had decided to enter into a one year policy with LARM last year, but noted the past year has been very eventful, particularly due to the explosion and fire at the power plant in February.
Schmidt recommended staying with LARM, stating he “couldn’t be happier” with the support that the city has received from the organization. Noting that a longer commitment to coverage and longer notice period if changing insurers would net a 5% discount, the council opted to maximize both, approving a three year policy commitment.
Budget workshop upcoming, closing words from the Mayor
The final item on the agenda for the evening was setting a time for a city budget workshop. Schmidt indicated the workshops generally begin around noon and last for 3 to 5 hours. While several dates were suggested, Mayor Sonnichsen recommended scheduling for as soon as possible.
The council scheduled the budget workshops for noon on Thursday, August 14.
In closing, Sonnichsen again thanked the Broken Bow Police, commending them for their efforts in recruitment and putting together what he viewed as an excellent team. The next meeting of the Broken Bow City Council is scheduled for August 12 at 6:00 p.m.
