The Gering City Council has delayed a vote on whether to consolidate the city's police force with that of neighboring Scottsbluff.
Scottsbluff radio station KNEB says members decided on Monday night to await reports from two committees looking into the merger.
The cities decided to study a merger because they have been struggling with public-safety expenses the past few years.
Some Gering residents have expressed concerns that they might lose police presence under a merger. But mayors for both cities said that wouldn't happen.
The Gering council is expected to consider the proposal at its Jan. 24 meeting.
