Scottsbluff local news summary

City Approves 3% Utility Rate Hikes

County Faces Potential Budget Crisis, May Halt All New Projects

Police Security Fee to Double

City Increases Police Retirement Contributions

County Restructures Payroll Functions, Moves Department From Clerk to HR

1. City Approves 3% Utility Rate Hikes

SCOTTSBLUFF - During its August 2025 meeting, the Scottsbluff City Council moved forward with the second reading of an ordinance to increase utility user fees by approximately 3%. The rate adjustments will affect water, sewer, and solid waste collection services. Officials stated that making small, incremental increases is important to support the city’s enterprise funds and avoid the need for more drastic price hikes in the future. The ordinance amends multiple sections of the municipal code related to utility fees.

2. County Faces Potential Budget Crisis, May Halt All New Projects

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY - The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners is facing a severe budget shortfall, with departmental requests of $19 million far exceeding a state-mandated tax ask limit of approximately $14.9 million. Management Accountant Lisa Rien presented the stark figures at the August 2025 meeting, noting the county has $4 million less in its coffers than the previous year, primarily due to the full expenditure of federal ARPA funds. The situation prompted a sober warning that the county may need to implement a freeze on all new projects for the year simply to ensure it can make payroll and build up depleted reserves.

3. Police Security Fee to Double

SCOTTSBLUFF - The Scottsbluff City Council held the first reading of an ordinance to amend miscellaneous police fees, featuring a significant increase for private security services provided by officers. The hourly rate per officer is set to jump from $50 to $100. Police Chief Krisa Brass explained the increase is necessary because the city currently loses money on the service, as it is always covered at an overtime rate for officers. The new $100-per-hour fee was calculated based on the highest-paid officer’s overtime rate plus benefits like retirement, workers’ comp, and insurance. Other minor fee increases include fingerprinting cards and criminal history checks, both rising from $7.50 to $10.

4. City Increases Police Retirement Contributions

SCOTTSBLUFF - The City of Scottsbluff will increase its contribution to the police officers’ retirement plan following a recent change in state law. The city council approved an amendment that raises the city’s matching contribution from 7% to 9%. This change, which was passed by the state legislature, mirrors a similar increase made for fire departments in the previous session. The increased funding is intended to help with the recruitment and retention of police officers and will take effect on October 1st, coinciding with the new budget year.

5. County Restructures Payroll Functions, Moves Department From Clerk to HR

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY - In a significant organizational shift, the Scotts Bluff County Commissioners voted to move the county’s payroll department and its functions from the County Clerk’s office to the Management Accountant/Human Resources department. Proponents of the move argued it aligns with practices in the corporate world, improves efficiency by placing HR and payroll in the same office, and helps address auditors’ recurring concerns about the separation of financial duties. The resolution transfers the payroll clerk position and tasks, though the County Clerk will retain statutory duties such as countersigning and delivering warrants. The change was also spurred by a desire to retain an experienced employee and dedicate more resources to implementing the county’s time clock system.

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