Probation chief asks Hall County to consider ARPA funds for laptops to expand field work
March 26, 2024 | Hall County, Nebraska
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Mark Comacher, chief probation officer for the District 9 probation office, told the board he submitted a request for up to 40 laptops to support more mobile supervision and community-based contacts for roughly 55 Hall County probation employees.
Comacher said the goal is to reduce reliance on desktop machines and increase officers’ ability to perform home visits and work in the community. He described the request as a best‑case “wish list” and said Buffalo County’s newer building was furnished with laptops through county funding rather than department operating budgets. A quote from Comacher: "We supervise, like, 1,200 probation clients in the Hall County area...I just have a vision for us being more out in the community."
Commissioners pressed on funding sources (ARPA vs. the regular budget), acquisition timing (budget season in July versus immediate purchase on ARPA), the number of staff who require laptops (about 40 field officers), and whether existing county laptops could be reassigned. IT staff explained quotes were for Microsoft Surface devices with docking stations and that replaced desktops could be returned to IT for reassignment. Commissioners suggested exploring grants and staged purchases to stretch funds.
The board did not approve immediate ARPA expenditure; instead it asked Comacher and IT to consult with county finance (Doug) and return with more details on cost, procurement options, and whether federal ARPA rules permit the purchases in the proposed manner. One motion asked the director to look at state and federal grant options before committing county funds; that motion carried.
Why it matters: Mobile-capable equipment affects frontline supervision capability and how probation staff engage with community partners. Commissioners emphasized care in spending ARPA funds and recommended staged implementation if needed.
Next steps: Staff will refine costs, confirm ARPA eligibility and potential grant sources, and return to the board with a proposal.
Comacher said the goal is to reduce reliance on desktop machines and increase officers’ ability to perform home visits and work in the community. He described the request as a best‑case “wish list” and said Buffalo County’s newer building was furnished with laptops through county funding rather than department operating budgets. A quote from Comacher: "We supervise, like, 1,200 probation clients in the Hall County area...I just have a vision for us being more out in the community."
Commissioners pressed on funding sources (ARPA vs. the regular budget), acquisition timing (budget season in July versus immediate purchase on ARPA), the number of staff who require laptops (about 40 field officers), and whether existing county laptops could be reassigned. IT staff explained quotes were for Microsoft Surface devices with docking stations and that replaced desktops could be returned to IT for reassignment. Commissioners suggested exploring grants and staged purchases to stretch funds.
The board did not approve immediate ARPA expenditure; instead it asked Comacher and IT to consult with county finance (Doug) and return with more details on cost, procurement options, and whether federal ARPA rules permit the purchases in the proposed manner. One motion asked the director to look at state and federal grant options before committing county funds; that motion carried.
Why it matters: Mobile-capable equipment affects frontline supervision capability and how probation staff engage with community partners. Commissioners emphasized care in spending ARPA funds and recommended staged implementation if needed.
Next steps: Staff will refine costs, confirm ARPA eligibility and potential grant sources, and return to the board with a proposal.
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