Water, taxes and growth dominate McCook’s Pink Postcard meeting

September 19, 2025

McCOOK, Neb. — Residents pressed city leaders on water quality, taxes and the pace of growth at a “Pink Postcard” budget Q&A Wednesday night, a sometimes tense but wide-ranging discussion that touched on manganese in city wells, nuisance properties and the costs of fire and public works equipment.

City Manager Nate Schneider said manganese buildup has been detected in three wells, including two high-production sources, and argued that the decades-old decision to place the water treatment plant along the Republican River continues to complicate operations.

“When I saw the manganese buildup, I didn’t realize how much,” Schneider said. “The plant’s location is a terrible spot. If it had been built north of town, gravity would work in our favor.”

Schneider said replacing or substantially upgrading the water and wastewater treatment plants will require rate changes, adding that staff must rotate production among wells to avoid depleting them.

Residents also raised the cost and appearance of nuisance properties. Schneider said the city typically achieves about 85% compliance after sending letters, but enforcement and abatements are constrained.

“We have enough in the budget to tear down one house a year,” he said, noting larger sites such as St. Catherine’s will require outside investment.

A fire official outlined escalating equipment costs and national standards. A primary pumper purchased in 2005 for $205,000 would cost about $1 million today, he said. Mandates tied to airport firefighting add training and staffing requirements.

Insurance costs have surged as well. City officials said the deductible for storm damage on city property, once $2,500, is now $1.7 million, reflecting market conditions and total insured value.

On taxes, Schneider said McCook’s city levy is roughly 44 cents per $100 of valuation, comparable to nearby communities. On a $100,000 home, the city portion of property tax is about $444 a year, he said. Some residents questioned whether annual increases would continue.

Schneider pointed to LB 34, saying city budget growth is constrained by a formula tied to inflation and local valuation growth.

“If inflation slows, the allowable property tax growth slows with it,” he said. “Growing sales tax is how we avoid leaning so hard on property tax.”

Several residents urged city leaders to recruit higher-wage employers. Schneider said growth requires land and infrastructure. He cited recent annexations, including the 130-acre Walters tract north of town and the year-and-a-half-old industrial park with rail access, as making room for housing, commercial sites and industry.

“Without adding property, where do you put anything?” he said. “We’ve been working behind the scenes for years to position McCook to grow.”

Officials and attendees also discussed communications. Some newcomers said they struggled to find meeting times. Schneider invited residents to call or visit with questions and noted City Council meets the first and third Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

Despite frustrations over rates and taxes, Schneider pointed to positive indicators. A 2021 University of Nebraska analysis ranked Red Willow County fourth statewide for per-capita sales tax capture, he said, and local projects — including a $12 million private dealership investment — reflect confidence.

“McCook has a lot to offer,” Schneider said. “We need to invest so the next generation wants to stay here.”