Council advances 2026-2027 city budget

City advances $2.35 million bond issue for street improvements

Utility user fees set to increase following final approval

City employees and unions to receive 3 percent pay raises

City approves three-year contract with firefighters union

City council approves new playground equipment for East Overland Park

Telecom West renews antenna lease at airport, exits cemetery tower

Council advances 2026-2027 city budget

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council approved the second reading of the 2026-2027 city budget, which features an overall 3 percent increase to keep pace with inflation. City officials noted the budget is heavily contingent on several pending variables, including a $4 million Safe Streets for All grant and potential funding from Legislative Bill 357 for a new aquatic center and senior center. The ordinance will require a third and final reading before official adoption.

City advances $2.35 million bond issue for street improvements

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — A $2.35 million general obligation highway allocation bond issue advanced on first reading to fund four major street improvement projects. The five-year bonds, backed by state gas tax revenues, will fund concrete work on East Overland from 21st Avenue to Highway 26, West Overland from Broadway to Avenue A, Avenue I at the railroad tracks and the intersection of 27th Street and 21st Avenue. Scott Keene, a financial adviser from Piper Sandler, told the council the city expects a true interest cost of around 3.9 percent and anticipates delivering the proceeds in early November.

Utility user fees set to increase following final approval

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance updating the city's utility user fees. The ordinance amends the municipal code to implement gradual 3 percent increases across solid waste collection, sewer, stormwater and water service fees. City officials previously cited a recent rate study indicating the gradual, annual increases are necessary to maintain the financial health of the utility funds amid ongoing inflation.

City employees and unions to receive 3 percent pay raises

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — A newly approved pay resolution will grant a 3 percent wage increase to city employees for the upcoming fiscal year. The adjustments stem from a mandatory wage study conducted every five years, which ensures Scottsbluff salaries remain within 98 percent to 102 percent of the midpoint of comparable Nebraska cities like Kearney, North Platte and Hastings. The study required some structural adjustments to the pay scale's minimums and maximums, but officials confirmed no employees lost money in the realignment.

The council also approved wage amendments for the Scottsbluff Police Officers Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1597, granting members of both unions a 3 percent pay increase for the next fiscal year. The amendments are part of previously negotiated three-year contracts that require annual negotiations strictly limited to wages and insurance.

City approves three-year contract with firefighters union

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council unanimously approved a new three-year contract with Scottsbluff Firefighters Local 1454 following recent labor negotiations. The agreement includes a 3 percent wage increase for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and bumps the firefighters' life insurance coverage to $50,000. City staff described the remaining changes in the contract as general housekeeping items rather than major policy shifts.

City council approves new playground equipment for East Overland Park

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Scottsbluff City Council approved a $41,271 bid from Miracle Playsystems III, Inc. to install a new playground structure and swings at East Overland Park. The new equipment will replace a 1999 structure with obsolete parts and will be installed over the park's existing sand surface, which meets fall safety criteria. City staff plans to complete the installation as a winter project to save on labor costs.

Telecom West renews antenna lease at airport, exits cemetery tower

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council approved a lease renewal with Telecom West, Inc. to maintain its wireless antenna system on the airport water tower, which continues to provide Wi-Fi to the surrounding rural community. However, the company will not renew its lease for the city cemetery tower and plans to remove its equipment from that location. According to city staff, the company cited an insufficient customer base at the cemetery location due to heavy competition from Starlink satellite internet service.

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