Scottsbluff local news summary

City ends fiscal year with $52.8 million in cash

Council creates new policy for distributing keno funds

Landfill project stalled by county moratorium, expiring land deal

Compost facility to get $524,000 in new equipment

Monument Marathon draws runners from 41 states

Reisig appointed new board vice chairman

City ends fiscal year with $52.8 million in cash

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The City of Scottsbluff ended its 2025 fiscal year in a strong financial position, holding a total cash balance of $52.8 million, according to a report from Finance Director Lane Kizzire. The September financial summary, which reflects the final month of the fiscal year, was bolstered by a significant influx of property tax revenue. Kizzire noted that while most city departments finished the year with a net positive balance, these figures are preliminary and unaudited. The report also highlighted that some planned expenditures, such as a street department chip seal project, were deferred, and the city is still awaiting delivery of a sanitation truck and a dump truck ordered in the previous fiscal year.

Council creates new policy for distributing keno funds

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The City Council unanimously approved a new policy and application process to govern the distribution of the city’s Keno funds, which have grown to over $350,000. As the city takes in approximately $65,000 annually from Keno, the new framework is designed to provide a clear and transparent process for local organizations to request funding for community betterment projects. The policy does not set a maximum award amount, allowing the council flexibility to consider the merits of each project. Information about the application process and projects that receive funding will be made available on the city’s website.

Landfill project stalled by county moratorium, expiring land deal

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The city’s plan to develop a new regional landfill in Sioux County faces significant hurdles after the county extended a moratorium on new landfills for another six months, officials announced at Monday’s council meeting. The city also faces a January 2026 deadline on its purchase agreement with the landowner, who has indicated he is unwilling to extend the deal. The setbacks are forcing the city to explore other options, including potentially hauling waste to other facilities. Preliminary reports on tipping fees, should a new landfill be built, are estimated at over $72 per ton, a substantial increase from the current rate of just over $50 per ton. City staff and engineering firm HDR will meet this week to formulate a new plan.

Compost facility to get $524,000 in new equipment

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The city’s compost facility is set to receive two major equipment upgrades after the council approved separate purchases totaling $524,000. The council authorized the purchase of a new Case wheel loader for $199,000, which came in under the budgeted $220,000. It will replace a 2002 Caterpillar loader with over 13,000 hours of use. Additionally, the council approved spending $325,000 on a Komptech Hurrikan S wind sifter, a specialized machine designed to remove small pieces of trash from the compost. Public Works Director Doug Gompert said the sifter, a demo unit purchased for less than the $380,000 budget, will produce a “cleaner and higher quality” final product for residents.

Monument Marathon draws runners from 41 states

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The recent Monument Marathon was a major success, attracting 669 registered runners from 41 states and two foreign countries, according to a letter of thanks from Western Nebraska Community College that was shared during the council meeting. The report highlighted the event’s broad appeal, noting that 72 percent of participants were new to the marathon. Of the visitors from outside the area, 74 percent brought friends and family with them, providing a significant positive impact on local tourism and showcasing the community’s hospitality.

Reisig appointed new board vice chairman

GERING, Neb. - Commissioner Russ Reisig was unanimously appointed as the new vice chairman of the Board of Commissioners. Reisig fills the leadership vacancy left by the recent departure of former Commissioner Charlie Knapper. The vice chairman leads meetings in the chairman’s absence and assumes other duties as assigned. The appointment was approved on a 4-0 roll call vote.

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