McCook City Council Approves $5 Million in Bond Financing for Sports Complex Infrastructure

11/04/2025

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council moved forward on a major financing step Monday night, approving a $5 million bond ordinance to fund infrastructure improvements tied to the city’s new sports complex project — a development City Manager Nate Schneider called a reflection of McCook’s remarkable growth.

“I’ve never seen this kind of growth in McCook,” Schneider said, noting the scale of recent development projects underway across the community. “This project is just one example of the investment and energy happening here right now.”

Bond Issuance for Sports Complex

Council members unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2025-3110, authorizing the issuance and sale of Municipal Improvement Bond Anticipation Notes (Series 2025B) in an amount not to exceed $5 million.

The financing will provide interim funding for site preparation, utility extensions, drainage, and other infrastructure improvements associated with the upcoming sports complex, which was originally approved by voters during the November 2022 local sales tax election.

The notes are a form of short-term borrowing that allows the City to begin construction work while long-term bonds are finalized later in the process. According to the City Manager’s report, bond consultant D.A. Davidson will oversee the transaction, with the sale of notes expected to close by December 18, 2025, after a credit review by Moody’s Investors Service.

Public Hearing

A public hearing was held to receive a report from the Economic Development Plan Citizen’s Advisory Review Committee, which met October 27. The Council later accepted the minutes of the committee’s previous meeting held July 28, 2025.

Consent Agenda

Items approved in a single motion included:

• Minutes of the October 20 regular and September 10 special meetings.

• Authorization for Great Plains Communications to install underground fiber optic conduit and cable along Airport Road and East “H” Street.

• Reappointment of Greg A. Wolford as Street Superintendent for 2026, maintaining eligibility for the state’s Highway Incentive Payment.

• Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-33, authorizing the signing of the Year-End Certification of Street Superintendent Form.

• Annual certification confirming proper use of Federal Aid Transportation Fund payments.

• Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-34, approving a second amendment to the Firefighters Retirement Plan.

Regular Agenda

The Council approved a Community Betterment Fund request to cover rental fees for “Bison Days,” scheduled for February 2–3, 2026, at the McCook Municipal Auditorium.

Emma Castor of the West Central Nebraska Development District (MCNDD) gave an update on properties within McCook assigned to the district’s abatement program.

Executive Session

The meeting concluded with an executive session held to discuss pending litigation involving property at 1111 East “H” Street, owned by Cindy and Ron Sabin.