Scottsbluff local news summary

Council approves amended contract, raise for city manager

$704,900 approved for new LED lighting at Lacey Park

Keno funds allocated for turf replacement at Field of Dreams

Commissioners approve assessor for dual role in split vote

Internal candidate promoted to facility manager

Board votes to reinstate opening prayer at meetings

Extension board splits from Morrill County

Council approves amended contract, raise for city manager

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city council voted unanimously to remove City Manager Kevin Spencer's employment agreement from the table and approve an amended contract. The new agreement includes an 8 percent total salary increase—comprising a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment and a 5 percent merit increase—bringing his salary to approximately $175,350. The contract also introduces a structured severance package that provides 100 percent of gross pay for the first seven weeks, graduating down to 40 percent by weeks 12 and 13, should termination occur without cause. Spencer noted the agreement requires a 60-day notice for resignation.

$704,900 approved for new LED lighting at Lacey Park

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Council members approved a bid of $704,900 to Techline Sports Lighting LLC for the replacement of field lighting at Lacey Park. The project will replace obsolete lights on all four fields with a new LED system, utilizing the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program. Although the bid came in approximately $30,000 over the budgeted amount due to tariffs, staff confirmed that funds would be moved from the electric fund to the capital projects fund to cover the cost. The new lights are expected to be installed in February or March.

Keno funds allocated for turf replacement at Field of Dreams

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The council approved a funding request of $20,130 in keno funds for the West Nebraska Field of Dreams to replace worn turf at their indoor facility. Organization President Dan Windhorst told the council that the current turf is nearly 17 years old and has suffered significant wear and tear. The facility, which is used by Western Nebraska Community College, local high schools and American Legion baseball teams, operates at near capacity. The city's contribution will be paired with the organization's own funds to complete the renovation.

Commissioners approve assessor for dual role in split vote

GERING, Neb. — In a contentious 3-2 vote, the Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners appointed elected County Assessor Robert Simpson to simultaneously serve as the county's management accountant and human resources director. Commissioners Ken Meyer and Matt Parsley voted against the appointment, citing concerns about creating two "part-time" positions out of roles that warrant full-time attention and potential conflicts of interest regarding checks and balances. Commissioner Russ Reisig argued the move was "thinking outside the box" to save tax dollars. Simpson will begin the appointed position on Dec. 22 while retaining his elected office.

Internal candidate promoted to facility manager

GERING, Neb. — Following a recommendation from the selection committee, the board unanimously appointed Steve Davidson as the new facility manager. Davidson, who has been serving as the acting manager, was selected over three other candidates. Commissioner Russ Reisig noted Davidson's extensive technical background in HVAC, refrigeration and boilers as key factors in the hiring decision.

Board votes to reinstate opening prayer at meetings

GERING, Neb. — The commissioners voted 3-2 to reintroduce a voluntary prayer or invocation at the start of future meetings, with Commissioners Ken Meyer and Matt Parsley opposing the measure. The motion directs a committee to develop specific procedures to ensure the policy is applied fairly and constitutionally. Opponents suggested a moment of silence would be more inclusive, while proponents argued for the need to seek divine wisdom. The new procedures must be approved by the board before prayers officially commence.

Extension board splits from Morrill County

GERING, Neb. — The board approved changes to the extension board constitution, officially dissolving the joint board structure shared with Morrill County. The new structure establishes a standalone Scotts Bluff County Extension Board to better align with current staffing districts where educators no longer solely serve the two-county area. As part of the reorganization, the commissioners approved the appointments of Sherry Preston, Lex Larsen and Becky Ulrich to the new board.

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