McCook City Council Addresses Nuisance Properties, Budget, Pay Plan, and Utility Rate Increases

McCOOK, Neb. — August 18, 2025

The McCook City Council covered a full agenda Monday evening, ranging from nuisance property abatements to budget planning and upcoming utility rate increases. The meeting opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief announcement noting that questions about a rumored detainment facility in Red Willow County should be directed to the State of Nebraska.

Nuisance Property Actions

Emma Castor of the West Central Nebraska Development District (WCNDD) presented findings from a property review. Out of 240 properties reviewed, 106 had been cleared of nuisance concerns, with 19 formally rescinded from nuisance designation at the meeting. Two properties were granted extensions, two were newly declared nuisances, and eight properties were approved for abatement.

Council unanimously approved three resolutions formalizing these designations and rescissions, along with WCNDD’s motion to abate the listed properties.

Economic Development Report

Charlie McPherson, Executive Director of the McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), delivered a quarterly update on LB840 loans. McPherson highlighted the program’s overall success in supporting business development but reported one loan in default this quarter. The borrower has indicated plans to file for bankruptcy. McPherson emphasized that this is the only default among dozens of active loans, and oversight from MEDC’s loan committee remains strong.

Sports Complex Update

City staff reported progress on the PFC Gerald L. Walters Youth Sports Complex. The project recently secured $50,000 from the Red Willow County Visitors Committee and $10,000 from the BNSF Railway Foundation. Additional adjustments were made to field designs following input from coaches, including the addition of a pitching lane on the championship softball field and markings for smaller youth soccer fields. Construction remains ahead of schedule, with dirt work nearing completion and foundations set to begin soon.

Budget and Pay Plan

Council approved the first reading of the FY 2025–2026 budget ordinance. Final numbers are pending insurance estimates and county valuation figures, which will be incorporated before the next reading.

A companion ordinance — adopting the employee classification and pay plan — also passed its first reading. The plan outlines updated salary ranges for city positions, from seasonal pool staff to department heads.

Utility Rates: Water and Sewer

Two ordinances proposing rate increases were introduced and approved on first reading:

• Water rates will rise by about 10%, including an increase in the monthly ready-to-serve fee from $24.90 to $27.39, and higher per-unit rates for water usage.

• Sewer rates will rise by about 8%, raising the residential base fee from $21.48 to $23.20 per month and the commercial base fee from $31.29 to $33.79.

City officials explained the increases are necessary to fund inflationary costs, staff wages, and major upcoming projects, including a $14.5 million wastewater treatment plant project and an estimated $20 million water treatment plant upgrade. Federal funding of $3.2 million may offset part of the water project, pending congressional approval.

Next Steps

All four ordinances — budget, pay plan, water rates, and sewer rates — will return for two more readings before final adoption.