Final tax request, utility fee rates on city agenda

McCOOK, Neb. – Financial decisions will take center stage at the McCook City Council meeting Monday as the council reviews property tax requests for the upcoming fiscal year, considers amendments to solid waste collection and sewer rates, and evaluates funding for a local fundraising event.

The meeting will also address several appointments to city commissions and committees, along with updates on ongoing projects, including the sports complex and a potential collaboration with Community Hospital for an apartment complex on city-owned property.

Opening at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers, a key item on the agenda is the approval of a proclamation designating Oct. 6-12, 2024, as “Fire Prevention Week,” with the Mayor authorized to sign the official declaration.

Appointments to two city commissions will also be reviewed. The council will consider ratifying the Mayor’s appointments to the Airport Advisory Commission, naming Austin Lambing for a term expiring in November 2025.

The Planning Commission reappointments include Chad Lyons and Jamie Mockry, with terms lasting until September 2027, and the appointment of Mark Currier as an alternate, with a term expiring in March 2027.

The meeting will also see the ratification of members to the Sports Complex Committee, including Lance Gillen, Karen Bortner, Dan Sattler, Staci Blomstedt, Tacie Fawver, Steve Miller, Danny Gullion, Craig Dickes, Darcy Rambali, Jared Muehlenkamp, John Walters, Deborah Walters, Christian Conroy, and Jessica Bedore.

Additional agenda items include an update regarding the property at 1107 West 4th Street, the approval of a utility easement for Performance Plus, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the McCook Economic Development Corp. Another significant matter involves the approval of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office.

The council will also consider adopting Resolution No. 2024-27, setting the property tax request for fiscal year 2024/2025, and will review a specific request regarding a four-flex property at 808 1/2 East 7.

Community Hospital has requested permission to use part of the city-owned parking lot and on-street parking at West First Street for the construction of an apartment complex.

Another community-based item on the agenda is the request for funds to cover rental fees for the “Share the Heat” fundraising event, scheduled for October 27, 2024, at the Heritage Senior Center.

The council will also receive an update on the sports complex project, and will consider amendments to solid waste collection fees and sewer department rates through Ordinances No. 2024-3087 and No. 2024-3089.