Council gears up to plan next year's city budget

McCOOK, Neb. — As the calendar flips towards June, McCook’s City Council is gearing up for planning the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Set to commence discussions at their next meeting on June 3, 2024, at 5:30 PM, the council has a packed agenda, with budget preparation taking center stage.

Among the items on the consent agenda for the meeting is the establishment of a comprehensive budget preparation calendar that will guide the city’s financial planning process through November. This calendar will lay out the milestones and deadlines for various budget-related activities, ensuring a smooth and timely preparation process.

Another notable item on the agenda is the consideration of a resolution to return unspent funds amounting to $150,000 back to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. These funds are expected to be returned in the future, earmarked for improvements to the Ben Nelson Regional Airport.

Additionally, the council will ratify the mayor’s appointments to various boards and commissions, including appointments to the Board of Health and the Library Advisory Board, among others.

On the regular agenda, updates on key projects such as the swimming pool and ballpark will be provided, giving council members and the public insight into the progress of these important initiatives. Furthermore, discussions surrounding the 2024 wage study will take place, addressing important considerations related to employee compensation and retention.

In a closed executive session, council members will strategize regarding collective bargaining with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 57, underscoring the city’s commitment to fostering positive labor relations and ensuring fair treatment for its workforce.

Meeting as the McCook Community Development Agency, the council will also consider the adoption of a policy for the assessment of administrative fees for redevelopment projects. This policy aims to streamline the process for undertaking such projects while ensuring that associated costs are fairly distributed.