Scottsbluff local news summary

Council tables city manager’s employment agreement

City manager salary and evaluation process debated

Rezoning approved for new ‘Rise and Shine’ restaurant

Zoo reports on Wild Lights and hibernating animals

Commissioners vote to draft policy for opening prayers

Public hearing set regarding transit service reductions

Detention Center faces cash flow issues due to delayed federal funds

Commissioners question value of tourism data software

Generator failure prompts retention of backup equipment

Courthouse boiler system requires additional $20,000 for controls

Veterans Service Office reports $17.8 million in compensation

4-H programming participation sees increase

Council tables city manager’s employment agreement

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The Scottsbluff City Council voted to table the amended employment agreement for City Manager Kevin Spencer until the next meeting. Council members requested time to review the final document, which includes changes to severance terms and clarification on the retroactive date for compensation. The proposed agreement removes language regarding the police chief role and adjusts the severance package to exclude vehicle and cellphone allowances, a change requested by Spencer himself to align with standard city manager contracts.

City manager salary and evaluation process debated

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - During discussions on the city manager's contract, significant debate centered on compensation and the evaluation timeline. Spencer proposed a salary of approximately $180,000, representing an 8 percent increase based on comparable markets such as Columbus and Fremont. Council members and Spencer agreed that future cost-of-living adjustments and merit increases should be tied directly to the annual performance review rather than occurring automatically at the start of the fiscal year.

Rezoning approved for new ‘Rise and Shine’ restaurant

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - The council approved a request to rezone a tract of land at 1900 South Beltline Highway West from agricultural to neighborhood and retail commercial. The property, formerly the site of the Whistle Stop, is being redeveloped into a new establishment called the Rise and Shine restaurant. City staff noted that the new zoning aligns with the comprehensive plan for the area, which is identified as automobile commercial, and is less intensive than the neighboring commercial zone.

Zoo reports on Wild Lights and hibernating animals

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - During staff reports, it was announced that the Riverside Discovery Center will host "Wild Lights" for two weekends, featuring open buildings for visitors to view animals and holiday displays. While most animals will be visible, the zoo's bear is currently in a "torpor" stage, digging a den for hibernation due to the cold weather. Additionally, the zoo is launching a new animal adoption program where patrons can sponsor specific animals and receive monthly updates.

Commissioners vote to draft policy for opening prayers

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. - The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 to instruct the county attorney to draft a policy and resolution for opening meetings with an invocation. One commissioner, who cast the dissenting vote, expressed a preference for a moment of silence rather than a public prayer. The decision followed a presentation by the attorney regarding Supreme Court precedents and an extended public comment period featuring both support from local clergy and opposition from residents concerned about divisiveness and the separation of church and state.

Public hearing set regarding transit service reductions

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. - The transit director announced a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. to discuss potential reductions in operating hours due to a lack of funding. The director intends to present a breakdown of previous funding and explain that without changes, the service risks shutting down. The board plans to officially convene for the hearing to allow a quorum, though no action will be taken until after a mandatory 10-day comment period.

Detention Center faces cash flow issues due to delayed federal funds

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. - During staff reports, it was revealed that the county had to borrow approximately $1.2 million from other funds to cover payroll at the detention center because anticipated federal funding has not yet arrived. Administrative staff noted they had to "scrounge" to cover expenses this month and warned that if the federal reimbursement does not appear soon, the department will face significant financial problems.

Commissioners question value of tourism data software

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. - During a discussion on the Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition, commissioners expressed skepticism regarding Placer.ai, a data software used to track visitor origins via mobile phone data. Commissioners questioned the accuracy of the data, noting that locals with out-of-state cell phone numbers—such as residents retaining Colorado area codes—might skew the statistics intended to track tourists. The county currently contributes to the cost of the software through the tourism budget.

Generator failure prompts retention of backup equipment

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. - The interim facility manager reported that a power outage in October revealed shortcomings in the courthouse’s new backup generator system, including a failure to notify staff that the generator did not fire. Consequently, the manager recommended, and the board agreed, to keep the old "green" generator in the basement online as a fail-safe for the Communications Center and server room until the new system proves reliable.

Courthouse boiler system requires additional $20,000 for controls

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. - While new boilers have been installed at the courthouse, the manager informed the commissioners that they are not yet integrated into the building's automation system. He described the current setup as a "car with three wheels" because staff cannot remotely monitor the system. The board discussed an additional expenditure of approximately $20,800 to have Trane integrate the controls in January, which may be paid from the capital improvement budget.

Veterans Service Office reports $17.8 million in compensation

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. - The Veterans Service Office reported a significant increase in the amount of compensation brought into the county for local veterans. Since fiscal year 2021, compensation has risen from $12.2 million to $17.8 million in fiscal year 2024. The board praised the department for its success in securing these earned benefits, noting that Scotts Bluff County is one of the top three counties in Nebraska for getting disabilities approved.

4-H programming participation sees increase

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. - University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension assistants presented an annual update, reporting that 4-H programming reached 4,580 youth in Scotts Bluff County between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024. Traditional club enrollment remains strong at 621 members, with growing interest in non-traditional programs such as robotics. The educators noted that their programs are now reaching every school within the county.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: