BROKEN BOW – The Broken Bow City Council heard an update on the city’s emergency services, welcomed a new paramedic and discussed changes to an ordinance regulating livestock and poultry within city limits during Tuesday’s meeting.
Emergency Services
Emergency Services Department Head, David Baltz introduced Rebecca Neumiller, who recently joined the city’s emergency services department as a paramedic. Neumiller began her new position this week and brings decades of experience in emergency medical services.
“My husband and I have lived here for about 19 years,” Neumiller said. “We moved here with the intention of him finishing out his two year commitment that he had for the state patrol. Then we were going to move to a different community, however we fell in love with Broken Bow 19 years later, and now we have no intentions of leaving.”
Neumiller said she has been a paramedic since 1995 and has worked in multiple states and emergency medical systems.
“I hope that I can add some value to what we’re doing,” she said. ” I’m really excited for the trajectory that the city has taken and the commitment that I’ve made to best citizens.”
Baltz also updated the council on ambulance usage and the department’s future equipment needs. He said the department had responded to approximately 530 calls as of the meeting, compared to 515 calls for all of 2025. The department is projecting between 600 and 650 calls this year.
With the increased demand, Baltz discussed the condition of ambulance 91, a 2006 model that is approaching the end of its 20 year life cycle. He noted the ambulance has been seeing increased use as the department’s newer vehicles handle more calls and out of town transports.
One concern with the older ambulance is the lack of updated safety features for paramedics working in the patient compartment while the vehicle is moving.
The council later approved Resolution 2026-31, authorizing the purchase of an ambulance for delivery in 2028.
Baltz also discussed plans to expand community outreach and preventative services in 2027. Neumiller’s previous experience as a state stroke coordinator could help the department pursue grant opportunities and provide additional clinical and educational services.
The department is also continuing work with the First Due application, which allows emergency responders to access information about buildings, fire hydrants and potential hazards before arriving at an emergency.
Baltz said the department has completed preplans for City Hall and care facilities throughout the community. A related Community Connect program is expected to launch in 2027, allowing residents to voluntarily provide information about pets, individuals who may need additional assistance evacuating and other household considerations.
Assistant Chief and Paramedic Mason Holmes thanked the mayor and council for their continued investment in emergency medical services, noting the department has nine advanced life support providers.
He added that several paramedics who do not live locally volunteer their time to help serve Broken Bow because they believe in the department and its mission.
Livestock within City Limits
A public hearing was held on Ordinance 1323, which would regulate the keeping of livestock and poultry within Broken Bow city limits.
The proposed ordinance has undergone several revisions following public input. Changes include increasing the number of allowed chickens or quail from six to 12, removing peafowl and guineafowl from the permitted species and adding quail back into the ordinance. Geese, turkeys and pheasants remain excluded.
The revised ordinance also removes an exception previously allowing one animal for 4-H purposes and adds an exception for businesses conducting seasonal animal sales, such as chick days.
Additional revisions address grandfathered properties. Residents who currently have animals that would conflict with the ordinance would have 45 days to register their property for grandfather status. The status would remain with the property through a sale as long as the property remains in compliance.
Residents seeking to establish a new backyard flock would be required to register and agree to compliance inspections with at least a 24 hour notice.
During public comment, a broken bow resident thanked the council and city staff for their work on the ordinance and willingness to consider public feedback.
One other resident spoke, suggesting a requirement of needing the neighboring property owners consent before someone establishes a chicken coop or similar animal housing.
The council voted against waiving the three required readings of Ordinance 1323, meaning the ordinance will proceed through the regular reading process, and will be on the next agenda.
Other Items
The council approved the temporary closure of South D street between South Eighth and South Ninth avenues from 6:00pm to 10:00pm on June 5, 2027 for a Wheels for Warriors USA and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association presentation and street dance.
Council members also approved Andrew Wilshusen of JEO Consulting Group as the city’s street superintendent for 2027. Wilshusen will take over the position as Steve Parr prepares to retire from JEP in May 2027. JEO Consulting Group was also appointed as the city’s engineer for 2027.
The meeting concluded with the council entering executive session with no action planned following the executive session.
