Council narrows landfill search to 30-mile radius

Donation accepted for future 'Cougar Park' despite debate

Low bid awarded for 28th Street storm drainage improvements

City promotes 'Safe Streets' grant following hit-and-run testimony

City debt reduced to single outstanding bond

Transfer station design nears completion

Council approves conflict-of-interest claim

Zoning code updated to 'Conditional Use'

Health insurance claims spike in December

Sales tax revenue shows strong quarterly start

Commissioners Pause USDA Wildlife Services Contract Over Liability Concerns

Official Discovers $234,000 in Untracked County Funds

911 Director Seeks Redundancy After Major Phone Outage

Transit Authority Pursuing Grant for New Bus Facility

Board Approves Tax Exemptions for Regional West Medical Center

County Negotiates 911 Data Services with Banner County

Agreement Reached with Village of Morrill for Addressing Services

Treasurer Authorized to Invest Excess 2026 Funds

Assessor Prepares for Mandated "Pink Postcard" Hearings

Commissioners Approve List of Depository Banks

Council narrows landfill search to 30-mile radius

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The City Council authorized a new task order with HDR Engineering Inc. to identify five potential landfill sites within a 30-mile radius of Scottsbluff and Gering. The agreement shifts the search focus away from previously considered properties in Sioux County to locations closer to the municipalities to reduce transportation costs. City officials noted that the current landfill is expected to reach capacity by the end of this year or early 2027, and roughly $3 million has been saved since 2007 through tipping fees to fund the new project.

Donation accepted for future 'Cougar Park' despite debate

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council voted to approve a real estate donation agreement with Reganis, LLC for two lots of land located along the city pathway west of the dealership. Tim Reganis presented the donation, suggesting the area be developed into "Cougar Park" with assistance from the Rotary Club and named in honor of Western Nebraska Community College. While the acceptance was approved, the discussion included debate regarding the site's suitability; one council member questioned if the small parcel was appropriate for a full park or better suited as a trailhead, citing potential maintenance and neighborhood parking concerns.

Low bid awarded for 28th Street storm drainage improvements

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Infinity Construction, Inc. was awarded a $163,045 contract to improve storm drainage at 28th Street and Avenue K. The project aims to alleviate persistent drainage issues near the "Shaggy Buffalo" area by installing new inlets, a manhole, and a new line connecting to 27th Street. The winning bid was significantly lower than the engineer's estimate of $198,275 and competing bids which ranged up to $207,000; staff attributed the low cost to the contractor seeking to keep crews active during the winter months.

City promotes 'Safe Streets' grant following hit-and-run testimony

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — During public comment, resident Scott Archer recounted a severe hit-and-run accident he sustained while crossing 5th Avenue on Christmas Eve, urging the council to install cameras and lighting at major intersections. In response, council members expressed sympathy and directed attention to the city's current "Safe Streets for All" grant plan. Officials encouraged residents to participate in an ongoing survey for the grant, noting that the completed plan will provide the necessary leverage to fund future safety upgrades and infrastructure on state highways.

City debt reduced to single outstanding bond

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — During the December 2025 financial report, the Finance Director announced that the city has paid off the bond for the 42nd Street project, leaving the city with only one outstanding bond issue. The remaining debt is tied to the 20th Street overlay project, which has a balance of approximately $2.5 million. Officials highlighted this milestone as a sign of the city's fiscal health, noting that the debt service budget was higher in December due to the final payoff scheduled for that month.

Transfer station design nears completion

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — As part of the broader solid waste management update, city staff reported that the design and permitting process for a new transfer station is nearing completion. Officials expect to have bid specifications ready for the project within three to four months. The transfer station is a critical component of the city's waste management strategy as the current landfill nears its end-of-life projection.

Council approves conflict-of-interest claim

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council voted to approve a payment of $10,520.98 to Interlinks after Council Member Solomon declared a conflict of interest regarding the claim. The item was removed from the consent calendar to allow Solomon to abstain from the vote, maintaining procedural transparency. The payment covers routine IT expenses, including a monitor adapter, computer backups, and a contractual service bundle.

Zoning code updated to 'Conditional Use'

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council approved the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 6 and Chapter 25 of the municipal code. The changes primarily focus on modernizing terminology, replacing "special permit" and "special use permit" with "conditional use permit" throughout the city's zoning regulations. The ordinance also addresses formatting issues and adds expiration dates to permits to streamline the code.

Health insurance claims spike in December

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The financial report revealed a significant increase in self-funded health insurance claims during December 2025. The Finance Director explained to the council that this is a seasonal trend, as employees often rush to utilize medical services after meeting their deductibles before the calendar year ends. Despite the spike in expenses, the city's overall budget remains on track with 25% of the fiscal year completed.

Sales tax revenue shows strong quarterly start

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — City financial reports indicate a rebound in sales tax revenue, with a strong start to the current quarter. While December numbers showed a seasonal lull, officials noted that February typically brings significant revenue data reflecting holiday spending. The council was also informed that Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue is currently at 1% of the budget because property taxes are not collected until later in the year, with major receipts expected in May and September.

Commissioners Pause USDA Wildlife Services Contract Over Liability Concerns

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Board of Commissioners tabled a decision regarding the USDA Wildlife Services program, which helps control predators like coyotes and prairie dogs. Board members expressed hesitation about renewing the contract, debating whether the county receives adequate value for the cost and questioning if ending the agreement would expose the county to liability if landowners sue for pest damage. The board directed County Attorney Jason Lopez to research the county's statutory liability and exemptions before they make a final decision on the consortium agreement.

Official Discovers $234,000 in Untracked County Funds

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — During a review of county finances, Robert Simpson reported the discovery of a "clearing account" holding approximately $234,000 that has sat dormant for eight to 10 years without earning interest. Simpson noted that while the money was not lost, it was "scary" that the funds were not transparent or being invested to benefit the county. He plans to audit other departments for similar off-book clearing accounts to ensure all county funds are accounted for and earning interest where possible.

911 Director Seeks Redundancy After Major Phone Outage

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Scotts Bluff County 911 Director Selinda reported a significant phone outage occurring two weeks prior, caused by a fiber line cut in Harrisburg that disabled 911 and administrative lines. She noted that calls had to be rerouted to Sidney and that the system lacked necessary redundancy because the backup provider, Allo, relies on the primary CenturyLink infrastructure to connect. Selinda plans to meet with the Public Service Commission to demand a solution from providers to prevent future total blackouts.

Transit Authority Pursuing Grant for New Bus Facility

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Transit Director Kirk reported that the county is applying for a federal "Build" grant that could potentially cover 100% of the funding for a new transit facility. The proposed project would replace the current aging bus barn, which suffers from heating issues, with a modern hub that could also serve as a meeting room, polling place, and emergency evacuation center. The transit department is currently working with Twin Cities Development to prepare the grant narrative.

Board Approves Tax Exemptions for Regional West Medical Center

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The commissioners approved an annual renewal of motor vehicle tax exemptions for Regional West Medical Center. The exemption covers 14 vehicles used for hospital operations, including transporting patients, lab products, and employees between facilities. County Treasurer Heather reported that the exemption results in a total tax loss to the county of $2,633.40 for the year.

County Negotiates 911 Data Services with Banner County

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — GIS coordinator Amanda announced upcoming negotiations with Banner County regarding the management of their 911 mapping and addressing data. The Scotts Bluff County GIS department has been submitting data to the state on Banner County's behalf without a formal agreement or compensation. County officials are proposing a service contract that would charge Banner County approximately $6,000 annually to continue maintaining the critical public safety data.

Agreement Reached with Village of Morrill for Addressing Services

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The board unanimously authorized a 10-year interlocal agreement with the Village of Morrill regarding GIS addressing authority. Under the agreement, the county will handle addressing duties within the village's corporate limits, a task the village currently lacks the staff to perform. The agreement includes a 30-day termination clause and holds the county harmless for addressing decisions.

Treasurer Authorized to Invest Excess 2026 Funds

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Commissioners passed a resolution authorizing the County Treasurer to invest excess county funds into interest-bearing accounts for the year 2026. The resolution ensures compliance with Nebraska state statutes regarding the investment of public funds. A separate resolution was also approved setting the interest rate for registered warrants at 0.5% should any county fund run a negative balance, though the Treasurer noted this mechanism is rarely used.

Assessor Prepares for Mandated "Pink Postcard" Hearings

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — County Assessor Robert Simpson briefed the board on new state legislation requiring county assessors to attend "pink postcard" budget hearings. Simpson expressed frustration with the requirement, noting that these hearings concern tax levies and budgets set by other entities, such as school boards, rather than property valuations which are his jurisdiction. Despite his objections to the utility of the requirement, Simpson confirmed he will comply with the new law.

Commissioners Approve List of Depository Banks

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The board approved the annual designation of depository banks for county funds. The list includes several local institutions such as Platte Valley Bank, Union Bank and Trust, and First National Bank. A new addition to the approved list this year is Premier Bank, based in Omaha, giving the Treasurer the flexibility to utilize their services if they offer competitive interest rates on certificates of deposit.

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