McCook Council Reviews Water and Wastewater Rate Study; Receives Updates on Youth Sports Complex

October 6, 2025

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council met Monday evening for its regular session, hearing a presentation on the city’s ongoing Water and Wastewater Rate Study, approving a Fire Prevention Week proclamation, and receiving an update on progress at the youth sports complex.

Water and Wastewater Rate Study Overview

Representatives from PFM Financial Advisors LLC presented preliminary findings from a detailed review of McCook’s current water and sewer rates. The report, prepared by Director Matthew Stoffel and Analyst Nick Babberl, outlined how the city’s utility system is performing and how rate structures could evolve to support upcoming infrastructure needs.

According to the presentation, data was analyzed from January 2022 through July 2025, covering 3,517 water meters. The city’s customer base is made up of approximately 81.5% residential, 12.5% commercial, and 3.5% irrigation users.

The report showed strong seasonal fluctuations in water usage, with peaks reaching nearly 12 million cubic feet per month in summer, compared to about 4 million cubic feet in winter. Stoffel explained that while systems must be large enough to handle those summer demands, revenue is generated based on average yearly use, which poses long-term financial challenges.

Currently, all McCook customers pay a $27.39 monthly base fee, plus $2.54 per 1,000 cubic feet for the first 5,000 cubic feet and $1.88 per 1,000 cubic feet beyond that. Stoffel noted this “declining block rate”—where costs decrease as usage increases—is uncommon and may be replaced with a uniform or inclining rate structure that promotes fairness and conservation.

Sewer billing is currently based on a three-month winter average (December through February). PFM discussed the possibility of expanding that timeframe or changing how sewer usage is calculated to better reflect actual use throughout the year.

No action was taken on the study. Stoffel said the firm will return at a later date with two to three proposed rate structure options for council consideration.

Fire Prevention Week Proclamation

The council approved a proclamation recognizing October 5–11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Chief Marc Harpham shared that this year’s national theme is “Charging into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries at Home.” He offered safety tips for handling rechargeable devices and highlighted the department’s outreach to local schools.

“Our team spends about three weeks visiting classrooms from preschool through sixth grade,” Harpham said. “We reach more than 800 students, sharing safety lessons they can bring home to their families.”

He also recognized Public Education Coordinator James Slayton for his work organizing the annual outreach.

Youth Sports Complex Update

City Manager Nate Schneider reported on continued progress at the McCook Youth Sports Complex, noting that fencing, drainage, and concrete work are underway and that the project remains on schedule despite recent weather delays.

“Things are really starting to move along,” Schneider said, adding that crews are currently focusing on the northeast and southeast fields and the concession area. Artificial turf installation has been slightly delayed but is expected to begin soon.

Other Business

Council approved several items on the consent agenda, including bid specifications for new police vehicles and in-car camera systems, as well as appointments to city advisory boards.

The council also advanced Ordinance No. 2025-3109, amending solid waste collection fees, on its second reading.

You can find the latest agenda and previous minutes of the McCook City Council meetings here: https://www.cityofmccook.com/77/City-Council