Scottsbluff City Council Summary
Week of June 16, 2026
Council awards police tow contract to new provider over performance concerns
May financials reveal depleted ARPA funds and new cemetery funding strategy
Annexation advances on second reading
Council approves zoning amendment to encourage mixed-use development
Commercial rezone approved near West 27th Street
Fire department partners with Panhandle EMS Training for student training
Community solar array returns to full operation
City solicits public input at comprehensive plan open houses
Council awards police tow contract to new provider over performance concerns
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Scottsbluff City Council unanimously awarded a three-year police towing contract to Bumper to Bumper Body and Paint, citing service concerns with the previous provider. The contract runs from Aug. 1, 2026, to July 31, 2029. Police Chief Krisa Brass noted that 26 percent of the previous provider's responses this year exceeded the required 30-minute threshold — sometimes taking up to 86 minutes — tying up officers at accident scenes. While Bumper to Bumper's base fee is $175 compared to the previous provider's $80, the new flat fee includes winching, which previously incurred an additional minimum fee of $110.
May financials reveal depleted ARPA funds and new cemetery funding strategy
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — City finance officials reported that Scottsbluff has completely exhausted its American Rescue Plan Act funds ahead of the federal deadline. The May financial report also highlighted a $350,000 transfer from the general fund to the cemetery fund. This marks a shift in the city's accounting approach, aligning with state statutes by funding daily cemetery operations through the general fund rather than the perpetual care fund. Despite the large transfer, the city's general fund remains robust at over $10 million, and a recent influx of property taxes returned the public safety budget to a positive balance.
Annexation advances on second reading
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city council approved the second reading of an ordinance to annex the Fairway Estate Subdivision into Scottsbluff's corporate limits. The annexation includes Blocks 1 through 15 of the subdivision, situated in Section 10, Township 22 North, Range 55 West, which encompasses the Scotts Bluff Country Club area. The ordinance will require a third and final reading before the annexation becomes official.
Council approves zoning amendment to encourage mixed-use development
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — To provide more flexibility for mixed-use developments, the council unanimously approved the first reading of a zoning text amendment for the city's Office and Professional district. The amendment changes several low-intensity commercial uses — such as hotels, restaurants and retail services — from conditional uses to principal permitted uses, eliminating the need to secure special permits. Hotels in the district will have a maximum height restriction of 45 feet to mirror C-2 zoning. Automobile-centric businesses, such as gas stations and drive-thrus, will still require a conditional use permit to protect neighboring residential properties.
Commercial rezone approved near West 27th Street
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone Lots 1 and 2 of a local subdivision from agricultural to C-3 heavy commercial. Located northeast of the intersection of Avenue M and West 27th Street across from Ashley Furniture, the 3.75-acre tract is slated for commercial development. The developer requested the C-3 designation to allow for the construction of contractor shops, a use that aligns with the city's comprehensive plan. Council members opted not to waive the mandatory three readings due to potential neighborhood concerns often associated with zoning changes.
Fire department partners with Panhandle EMS Training for student training
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Scottsbluff Fire Department will provide field experience for out-of-hospital emergency care students through a newly approved agreement with Panhandle EMS Training. Similar to an existing partnership with Western Nebraska Community College, the agreement allows students to ride along with fire department personnel on real-world emergency calls. Fire officials noted the program offers critical hands-on training for students while serving as a valuable recruitment tool and refresher for the department's own staff.
Community solar array returns to full operation
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — During council reports, it was announced that the community solar array is back online following a period of inactivity. Starting July 1, local shareholders participating in the Nebraska Public Power District solar program will once again begin receiving energy credits on their utility bills.
City solicits public input at comprehensive plan open houses
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city will host a pair of open houses to gather public feedback for the ongoing update to the Scottsbluff Comprehensive Plan. The informal, come-and-go sessions will feature representatives from Marvin Planning Consultants, who will be available to answer questions and take community input. The first session is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce, followed by a second session from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at City Hall.
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