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.
© Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved. | FireLawBlog.com & Curt Varone | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
x

Check Also

New Hampshire Firefighter Claims He Was Sexually Harassed

A New Hampshire firefighter who resigned last December after enduring what he claims was years of sexually harassing comments and retaliation is now suing his former employer. Christopher R. Golomb filed suit against the City of Concord last month in Merrimack County Superior Court.

Sacramento Settles Restraint Death Suit for $4.45 Million

The City of Sacramento has agreed to settle a wrongful death suit with the family of a man who died while being restrained during an EMS response, for $4.45 million. Reginald “Reggie” Payne, 48, suffered a cardic arrest while being restrained by police, who responded at the request of firefighters.