Nebraska Suit Over Low Interest Loan to Ambulance Service Dismissed

Posted by: Curt Varone October 28, 2015 0

A lawsuit seeking to block a Nebraska city from providing a $350,000 low-interest loan to a new ambulance service owned by two people with ties to the city’s fire department has been dismissed.

Last July, the North Platte City Council approved the loan to Priority Medical Transport. Priority is owned by North Platte Assistant Fire Chief Trent Kleinow, and Dr. James Smith, the fire department’s medical director.

The loan’s approval prompted a lawsuit by two concerned taxpayers who accused Chief Kleinow and Dr. Smith of using their positions “for private gain other than the compensation provided by law” and open meetings violations. The suit named Chief Kleinow, Dr. Smith and the city.

Judge Donald Rowlands dismissed suit, concluding that the city complied with all legal requirements. The plaintiffs until November 4 to re-file.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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