Loren Taylor is sorry about the recent closing of a Sargent Irrigation Co. office in Gothenburg.

"It's difficult," said Taylor who is manager of Sargent Pipe Co. in Broken Bow which is affiliated with Sargent Irrigation Co. of Broken Bow. "I started the Gothenburg office in 1972 and ran it for 16 years."

Taylor described the change as a streamlining measure by Sargent Irrigation business officials in reaction to the moratoriums placed on well drilling by natural resource districts and the passage of LB 992 which sets guidelines for water policy for the state.

The business has been hurt by the suspension of new well drilling, he said.

"Underground water is not in danger," he said. "It's a political move by the powers that be in Lincoln."

The Gothenburg office is consolidating with Sargent Irrigation Co. of Grant, Holdrege and Broken Bow--a transition that began on Jan. 1, Taylor said.

Currently, he said two of the six employees remain at the Gothenburg to help with the transition until the end of January.

Taylor said Sargent employees from the three remaining offices will work with customers in the Gothenburg and surrounding areas.

"We at Sargent Irrigation will take care of our customers," he said. "We took care of them before we moved to Gothenburg and our service will continue to be first class."