Council approves final tax request, lowest mill levy among first-class cities

City adopts 2026-2027 budget anticipating potential aquatic center

Strong sales tax and hailstorm insurance bolster August finances

Council advances $2.35 million bond for street improvements

Exclusive roll-off agreement with Waste Connections sparks local business backlash

Council approves $600,000 economic development loan for tire shredding operation

Council gives positive recommendation for liquor license

Drive-through flu clinic slated for October on 16th Street

Panhandle Humane Society rebounds following large hoarding cases

Council approves final tax request, lowest mill levy among first-class cities

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The Scottsbluff City Council unanimously approved a $2.23 million final tax request for the 2026-2027 fiscal year on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive year the requested dollar amount has remained flat. Because property assessed values increased by 8.8 percent this year, the city's mill levy will drop to 0.164356. City finance officials noted that this represents the lowest mill levy of any first-class city in Nebraska.

City adopts 2026-2027 budget anticipating potential aquatic center

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The council unanimously passed the third and final reading of the 2026-2027 annual appropriation bill. The new budget represents a 61 percent increase over the previous year, a jump city officials attribute almost entirely to the proposed aquatic center. If the aquatic center project does not pass or move forward, the allocated funds will not be spent, and the municipal budget will see a corresponding decrease next year.

Strong sales tax and hailstorm insurance bolster August finances

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Scottsbluff closed out August with robust sales tax revenues and a final payout from recent hailstorm insurance claims, according to the city's latest financial report. General fund spending remains under budget at 70 percent despite being 92 percent through the fiscal year, and sales tax receipts came in $244,000 higher than the previous year. The report also confirmed that the city has completely exhausted its remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Council advances $2.35 million bond for street improvements

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - An ordinance authorizing up to $2.35 million in general obligation highway allocation fund pledge bonds passed its second reading on Tuesday. The bonds will fund several major infrastructure repairs, including improvements on West Overland, East Overland, the Avenue Y railroad tracks and the intersection of 21st Avenue and 27th Street. City officials stated the goal is to lock in current interest rates now, with construction on at least one of the projects potentially beginning in the spring.

Exclusive roll-off agreement with Waste Connections sparks local business backlash

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The city council unanimously approved a five-year exclusive agreement with Waste Connections of Nebraska Inc. for roll-off container services, transitioning away from the Gering landfill as it nears capacity. The exclusivity clause grants the city reduced tipping fees to keep residential sanitation rates low, but it drew sharp criticism during the meeting from a local business owner who operates a roll-off business. The owner argued the monopoly unfairly prevents local businesses from servicing commercial clients within city limits, though city officials maintained the deal is necessary to protect ratepayers across the community.

Council approves $600,000 economic development loan for tire shredding operation

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Langer Industrial Services LLC secured a $600,000 LB 840 economic development loan to purchase a high-capacity shredding machine capable of processing both scrap metal and regional waste tires. Owner Pete Langer told the council the new equipment will help clear massive tire piles and meet growing regional demand, adding that the company expects to hire an additional five to 10 employees. The loan agreement is eligible for up to $30,000 annually in job credits for maintaining a base of over 20 full-time employees.

Council gives positive recommendation for liquor license

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The council unanimously approved a positive recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for a Class D liquor license for Sanch's Liquor, LLC, located at 1311 East Overland. Owner Matthew T. Sanchez, who recently purchased the former Montez Liquor, has been operating on a temporary permit since August and plans to implement a new ID scanning system. Sanchez met all disclosure requirements regarding past legal matters during the application process, which the local liquor board appreciated, noting the store's camera systems have been actively updated.

Drive-through flu clinic slated for October on 16th Street

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - A drive-through flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic will temporarily close the southwest portion of 16th Street on Oct. 3 following council approval of a business promotional event permit. The Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) will host the clinic outside its office from 8 a.m. to noon, redirecting exiting traffic onto Avenue A to prevent street congestion. PPHD representatives noted the organization successfully served 166 people during a similar event last year.

Panhandle Humane Society rebounds following large hoarding cases

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The Panhandle Humane Society has seen significant operational improvements and high adoption rates after managing two massive animal hoarding cases, according to a council informational report. Following a September visit, city officials noted that while there are still numerous cats at the shelter, the dog population is well-managed with ample space and quick adoptions. The update highlighted the facility's positive direction and recent volunteer assistance from the National Guard, who visited the shelter to participate in a 9/11 Day of Service community project.

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