McCook budget moves forward with water, sewer rate increases, trash fee change

September 3, 2025

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council held its annual budget hearing Tuesday and moved forward on a series of ordinances tied to the 2025–26 fiscal year, including planned increases to water, sewer and solid-waste rates to fund major utility projects. Council later entered executive session for collective-bargaining strategy with firefighters.

Budget snapshot

City Manager Nate Schneider presented his five-page transmittal letter and summary, noting the FY 2025–26 general fund revenue is projected at $14,976,223 with expenses of $14,956,251—a difference of about $19,972.

The city anticipates holding the property-tax levy at 44 cents per $100 of valuation, generating roughly $2.74 million. Under state law (LB 34), this year’s ceiling reflects last year’s request plus an inflation index (“slice rate”) of 5.17% and 0.78% real growth.

The council advanced on second reading:

• Ordinance 2025-3104 (adopting the FY25–26 budget),

• Ordinance 2025-3105 (employee classification & pay plan).

Utilities: what’s changing and why

Schneider said steady, smaller adjustments help avoid large spikes later, especially with two big plant projects on deck.

Water

• Rates: scheduled +10% at the start of FY25–26 (third reading pending).

• Projects in the budget plan:

  
  

  • Filtration addition to address manganese (estimated $5–6 million).

  • Media and vessel replacement (about $5 million referenced during discussion).

  • Redundant injection well (about $3 million).

  • Salt tank (~$300,000).

  • Hypochlorinator (~$500,000).

  • Repair on an existing well (~$500,000).

  
  

Wastewater

• Rates: scheduled +8% at the start of FY25–26 (third reading pending).

• Project: A new Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) wastewater treatment facility (about $14.5 million) replacing the 1970s-era RBC system. Public Works staff said the SBR will fit on the west side of the current site and be capable of anticipated future nitrate limits. “It will all be able to fit on the west side of our current property… It will take care of [future] nitrates,” staff explained during the hearing.

Solid waste

• Residential trash: from $28.25 to $29.75/month (includes the $2 recycling fee).

• Household/commercial disposal: from $86 to $92 per ton.

• Yard-waste collection: remains $6.

Quick reference: proposed rate changes

• Water: +10%

• Sewer: +8%

• Residential trash: $28.25 → $29.75 /mo (includes $2 recycling)

• Commercial disposal: $86 → $92 /ton

• Yard waste: no change ($6)

Department priorities & capital outlay

Police: Chief Kevin Hodgson detailed end-of-life laptops and desktop computers, in-car camera replacements due to unsupported software, impound yard security upgrades, ballistic vests hitting their five-year shelf life, and one patrol vehicle to stabilize the fleet. “Those vests have a five year shelf life,” he said, adding that one civilian unit is now seeing elevated maintenance costs.

Fire/EMS: The top need is a front-line pumper to replace the current 2005 engine (now 20 years old). Other items include cardiac monitors, computers, and ongoing turnout gear rotation (four sets per year due to the NFPA 10-year limit). On the new ambulance, staff noted a $75,000 ARPA-funded state grant helped offset a purchase in the $350,000 range, with the balance financed over seven years.

Airport ARFF: The city’s 1996 aircraft-rescue firefighting truck remains functional, but training and inspection requirements continue under Part 139. “To be a 139 airport, you have to have them. If we don’t have it, we don’t have the air traffic, right, correct?” a council member clarified during discussion.

Library: Staff requested $15,000 to resurface deteriorating shade structures at the south entrance. “They’re mushrooms. They’re not toadstools,” a staffer quipped.

Public Works/Parks/Cemetery: Carryover funds are slated for a used dump truck, mowers, a paint machine, a UTV with snow attachments for sidewalk clearing, security cameras at the aquatic park following break-ins, and a groomer for the new artificial turf at the sports complex. Street items include a West 14th Street project and drainage work along West Q Street (assessment district).

Sports complex: funding & timeline

Schneider reiterated the youth sports complex is voter-mandated by the 0.5% local option sales tax passed in 2022 and remains on track for summer 2026 completion. He highlighted ongoing grant work, citing awards such as $1.5 million (RCRP), $500,000 (CCCFF), and $500,000 from the Scott Foundation for the inclusive playground, with additional private support including the Sherwood Foundation. The complex is part of a larger growth plan to extend sewer to Highway 83 and open land for commercial and housing development.

Public comment: Work Ethic Camp labor

Resident Jason Hilker asked how the loss of Work Ethic Camp crews would affect city costs. Staff said the city would absorb the tasks with existing crews. For example, trimming at the cemetery and odd jobs formerly handled by a trustee will be reallocated internally.

Consent agenda highlights

Council approved:

• Annual LEOP adoption (Resolution 2025-23),

• J Bar J / Waste Connections landfill agreement,

• Street closures for MPS Homecoming (Sept. 24) and St. Patrick Fall Festival (Oct. 12),

• A 5K hosted by Anytime Fitness (Sept. 20),

• Viaero underground fiber in right-of-way,

• Rotary’s inflatable costume relay at Heritage Days (Sept. 20),

• The City Manager’s FY25–26 employment agreement,

• Multiple board/commission appointments (Airport Advisory, BZA/Planning, Economic Development CARC, Housing Agency, Tree Advisory).

Executive session

Council voted to enter executive session at 6:38 p.m. for a strategy session related to collective bargaining with the McCook Professional Firefighters Association Local 2100, then returned to open session to adjourn