[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6122246,"mediaKeyId","2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb","parentId",2695397,"title","Council reallocates CDBG downtown funds, forgives an LB840 loan and approves USDA grant application","audioSeconds",211,"startMs",2596000,"endMs",2807000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb&start=2596&end=2807","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb/thumbnail_2596000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6122246/Nebraska/Council-reallocates-CDBG-downtown-funds-forgives-an-LB840-loan-and-approves-USDA-grant-application","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122246-a3f63d80c1a9ee13f0232a865a8f3056/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168729&Signature=X6kiFREthTddQyC9Ql~GU610IQdZOEeSKUw-JMGLA3Aqn8nR5Syo4UBnzDPmbVubUJ0yt8VvVvZ-MIkQCzW2b8SEFAk0OmGIYGYaROzZDItGmXb1Vk7jv3IkOTbIr6jiYL1zVmPhzxy2DiFGKOr7eh-54LllbnnbiuZxiqb4b6YJKpLNSqmsSdWEA6DZNb9LFuzSxCXO5qW5Q29W9Bvl8JlWTTdGh5N39mZH~TtCto9CDudVYYzb9Gklgh6-9MkS7Ulh5gnqoRPZ2L8cBoQaHfZ5lg0ch9j28DVkTrTeyEEpupA7qSAYgLHmoduLw9Ien-ThhDnMXjzbq5awhEbTIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Beatrice, NE","date","2025-03-19T21:11:28.43Z","article","The Beatrice City Council approved three economic-development actions: reallocating leftover downtown CDBG funds, forgiving part of an LB840 loan to a business project, and approving an application to a USDA business development grant.

Nut graf: The council passed Resolution No. 7519 reallocating roughly $42,800 in leftover funds from the CDBG Downtown Revitalization grant to multiple applicants; approved Resolution No. 7520 forgiving Phase 1 of a prior LB840 loan related to an Engage/Rare Earth Salts project and terminating the remaining unused phases; and passed Resolution No. 7521 authorizing a USDA business development grant application to fund downtown strategic planning and feasibility work.

Details: Staff said the CDBG reallocation stems from the typical pattern where some projects come in under budget or recipients decline funds; the $42,800 will be distributed to seven applicants under the same loan-forgivable terms as their original awards. Resolution No. 7520 covers a 2015 loan agreement that had three phases; only Phase 1 advanced and the council forgave $100,000 for that phase, closing the agreement and terminating Phases 2 and 3. Staff corrected a typographic date in the record regarding the original 2015 loan.

The USDA grant application (Resolution No. 7521) seeks approximately $65,000 for a downtown strategic planning and feasibility project with a city cash match of just under $10,000. Staff said they had discussed the application with the USDA local representative prior to submission and would return when award decisions are known.

Votes: All three resolutions passed unanimously (8–0). Council members praised the downtown program’s uptake and asked staff to continue outreach; staff noted a growing waiting list for the grant program.

Why it matters: The actions reallocate and close out existing downtown revitalization funds, clear older loan obligations, and pursue federal support to plan downtown business recruitment and development under the CAST initiative.

What’s next: Staff will finalize loan amendments and documentation for the CDBG reallocation, record the loan forgiveness and termination for the LB840 file, and proceed with the USDA application process pending federal review and award timelines.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BASWA & City Council Meeting - March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved reallocations of unspent CDBG downtown revitalization funds to seven applicants, forgave a portion of an LB840 loan to Engage/rare earth project, and authorized a USDA grant application to support downtown strategic planning.","taxTitle","City Council Meetings, City of Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska","taxId",69713,"location","Nebraska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6122249,"Beatrice council adopts fee changes including water-park pass and garbage rate increases",70,4135000,4205000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb&start=4135&end=4205","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb/thumbnail_4135000.jpg","/articles/6122249/Nebraska/Beatrice-council-adopts-fee-changes-including-water-park-pass-and-garbage-rate-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122249-0ce0373358c4d617face3bedfa61a36a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168729&Signature=nFc-Yr1xwcU7oOF1YN~wUNqBn1aARfnqemzoMZlDceiKk8~mC6dQRU7H9F3lzJS7kTkWdyQ3jc7B5mRzkVUVsv7rMLr2J~n0jCoJfgVaxKOt02JJDY0Lt6e--V5~XN~Fs~F9Oh8SLKbZQnswHkce3UjmfbBA~8rsTxoK~NxEwxCeGj9vxVqyu2n8tJFTIMT9X7rjLpLFCINzo4BxLZmiGk9-muOkVZeKCIw2koEfHNM1TGgMtC9b8FEnCuDor8f2EiXgmKg4O3TrS0ImEmxY91UPXDh7pOdRD5DHdshfs-t16dL4~R6eogyVQcwyfJPGh5x2nAn4kOMnNHuPg46UWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Beatrice City Council adopted a fee resolution that raises seasonal water-park passes and adjusts municipal solid-waste collection charges, among other fee changes.

Nut graf: Council approved the fee resolution (Resolution No. 7523) after staff explained increases driven largely by rising labor costs and the city’s recent waste-fee changes related to Boswell landfill financing. The vote passed 6–2 after members said the public needed more notice for some fee items.

Details: The resolution raises seasonal water-park passes by $7 (daily rates remain unchanged). City staff said lifeguard recruitment and higher minimum wages were the main cost pressures on seasonal-pass pricing. The resolution also implements a $1 monthly increase for residential garbage service tied to earlier Boswell rate adjustments; commercial increases vary by container size. Staff said some contracted village accounts are covered by existing contracts and therefore will not increase until contract terms allow.

Council and public reaction: Council members asked staff for revenue estimates tied to the water-park pass change; staff did not have an immediate per-line-item revenue projection. One council member said they would vote against the fee resolution because the public had less time than usual to review the packet; staff confirmed the proposed new fee schedule was available with council materials and that some redline versions were in the packet. A member of the public asked why a second weekly pickup for some downtown commercial dumpsters remains relatively expensive; council asked staff to examine the rate structure.

Vote: Resolution No. 7523 passed 6–2. Staff will notify contracted communities and update billing processes where contracts permit.

Why it matters: The changes affect household recreation costs and monthly utility-equivalent garbage fees for residents and businesses and tie into broader Boswell landfill financing and operating costs.

What’s next: Staff will follow up with a detailed revenue estimate for water-park pass changes, notify customers covered by contracts of timing, and review downtown commercial pickup charges per council direction.

","Council approved a fee resolution that raises seasonal water-park passes and residential solid-waste rates; some councilors and members of the public asked for more notice.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6122254,"Council backs conversion of Sixth Street (Highway 77) from four lanes to three; members and residents debate safety and cost",383,2980000,3363000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb&start=2980&end=3363","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb/thumbnail_2980000.jpg","/articles/6122254/Nebraska/Council-backs-conversion-of-Sixth-Street-Highway-77-from-four-lanes-to-three-members-and-residents-debate-safety-and-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122254-f9148adae0ad8664a12f133a47a6c35e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168729&Signature=LGD24H3LsdvEpnyworgupQ36XfEVs25u-YxRxw-FIIalNMJwyjbhS0w5czjq3I8wB9eLQi6u3~~8bUxcEsmLCAEBdsewEIuF141V6gZNgtG4bf4p4NzBcKNVrHxjpn2wz9Xjsh6mK7qzLN9A5iQG4ZsIke~~KnTQi5swxCt3ZtRfuLQMh~1nTYsEZyR5P~2uxbhEFCVC~34X8fi6yjf9sBnGLIF8Jhv3GnpGljnri0jjcW3f~-d6ZKKEE-31hTA2Wh5MtyQYyh0cUiDHCJG0BO8aGD6U3ghpoqILEk4qsUMASkfF5pyxN5wmKhF0-tj3E0ieCs4FhTr5v2gCQ9LXOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Beatrice City Council voted to support converting Sixth Street (Highway 77) from four lanes to three between Dorsey Street and Mulberry Avenue, endorsing the city’s Safety Action Plan recommendation and indicating willingness to work with Nebraska Department of Transportation on design.

Nut graf: Council supporters said the lane reduction would address multiple high-injury intersections and reduce the city’s share of reconstruction costs; opponents and members of the public warned of traffic backup and pedestrian-safety tradeoffs.

Details: The change was recommended in the city’s Safety Action Plan and discussed with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) as part of a 2028 mill-and-overlay project. City staff reported daily traffic counts on the corridor of roughly 6,000–14,000 vehicles depending on the day and said the corridor could accommodate up to roughly 20,000. Staff also presented a preliminary cost comparison: the city’s share would be about $6.1 million if the corridor remained four lanes but about $0.5 million if the design converts to three lanes.

The city’s Highway Committee (two council members plus Jason Moore and James Burrows) recommended the resolution to support a conversion, citing patterns of left-turn collisions and pedestrian risk. Council members and staff noted that initial striping could be done in coordination with the state, and that a full reconfiguration (moving curb lines and sidewalks) would be a larger long-term project with an estimated cost in the $35–40 million range.

Public comment: James Nelson of 1025 N. Sixth Street urged council to reconsider, arguing the majority of pedestrian incidents occurred in low-light conditions and warning that lane reductions could increase angle collisions where drivers turn. Nelson said, “start using some common sense,” and reported canvassing residents who opposed the change. Another resident told the council they had received calls urging a no vote because of delays created by lane reductions.

Vote and next steps: The council passed the resolution supporting conversion 7–1. Staff and the council said NDOT will proceed with design discussions and that the city’s final obligations will be set during design and right-of-way negotiations; the mill-and-overlay remains tentatively scheduled in the state program for 2028.

Why it matters: The change could materially alter traffic flow through the city’s primary north–south corridor, affect pedestrian crossings, and shift significant capital costs depending on the final design.

What’s next: NDOT and city engineers will refine designs; council members said any major curb or sidewalk reconstruction would return for review and that the city would plan financing for its share of the project.

","Council voted 7–1 to support a lane-reduction recommendation for Sixth Street/Highway 77, citing safety improvements and a lower city cost share; residents voiced opposition and questioned traffic and pedestrian impacts.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6122259,"Beatrice council debates wording, timing of strategic plan; mayor pulls item for further work",1422,1134000,2556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb&start=1134&end=2556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb/thumbnail_1134000.jpg","/articles/6122259/Nebraska/Beatrice-council-debates-wording-timing-of-strategic-plan-mayor-pulls-item-for-further-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122259-ec2048b15f7290f2c6381318e845f2e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168729&Signature=VeDwHegGkPn6P9CrEMc6mc60EloFLspnviZT5wJZweWCwimPcUzlSbD7e7sSpHebr-LkodyITI4wiHYcoUZsUCLg0~-Cins8lZUV5TzcNbeKeujlGtKuMYqnByJWKyiVj9RTbtjcMRMC8zRQTnLxa7ELZtXU9rpcBY1VwK9qtV91ehFzhXXEFV8YRk9KML0V54aUdyFoWUOnXcD7ORRdV9xgeo-aJ-SZx5ziK7kGa1WSDoIOH3rOJo4IK7ZKogGUM4Cih6iwiR0jw2-0nXBk~zjrYqOc0XeTw-K0z4Pb5qcXLKbwV9fySaqnVmyBcy7orBJmi9AytN-BbVbvjuZTMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beatrice city council reviewed a consultant-crafted strategic plan developed after a January retreat and split over whether to adopt it as written or revise tone and responsibilities.

The draft outlines six strategic goals including growing population to 13,000 (with 15,000 noted as a longer-term target), supporting local businesses, improving communication, maintaining financial stability, maintaining community spaces and developing a connection to Lincoln. Tobias, the city administrator, explained the document was intended as a high-level “3,000-foot view” to guide budgeting and priority-setting.

Nut graf: Several council members praised the retreat work but said the consultant’s wording included language they found unduly harsh for a public document and left unclear who would be responsible for implementing each action. A number of council members requested either rewording or more time to submit edits; Mayor Robert Morgan said the item would be pulled for further consideration rather than forcing an up-or-down vote tonight.

Discussion and concerns: Council members said they support the plan’s goals but want the text to better reflect the council’s voice, assign responsibility for action items (council vs. administration vs. department heads) and set a six-month review cycle. One council member said he would vote no if the plan were forced to a vote tonight because the public and council had insufficient time to digest the draft; others objected to specific sticky-note language captured in the consultant’s notes under “community morale.”

Outcome: Mayor Robert Morgan removed the item from tonight’s agenda for further consideration; he and the city administrator will determine next steps and whether to return a revised plan. No formal adoption occurred.

Why it matters: A strategic plan sets budget and policy priorities for multiple years. Council members urged clearer assignment of responsibilities and periodic reviews so stated objectives translate into executable projects.

What’s next: The mayor said he would discuss revisions with Tobias and determine whether and when the plan returns to council; council members asked that a follow-up include clearer implementation steps and a schedule for status checks.

","Council reviewed a consultant draft strategic plan with six goals; several council members objected to tone and asked for more time and clearer assignment of responsibilities, and the mayor withdrew the item for further consideration.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6122264,"Beatrice approves Boswell landfill fee increase as bond payments begin",304,116000,420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb&start=116&end=420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2695397-33b61cfd8cf1db75225bd25cbdff5ceb/thumbnail_116000.jpg","/articles/6122264/Nebraska/Beatrice-approves-Boswell-landfill-fee-increase-as-bond-payments-begin","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122264-0d7be4de3dc5c00539dae74332afca61/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168729&Signature=ltRAxexRF0t1a~B-YV2pPcnqSH0r-mMWtS3QeKASxHG5jjCrwEHfHpsRrOEiDWgoYuSUmmaZKQ6rJ3UlzLxrjMjOamlkDTEuNFrwQ-MQmIJuVyH6iqlMvMOSWehpq6OXLT0VRHn9Ej6ud~~aovjclaxlLT-0Fl5leKPraBlnWdF-21VcBYW0WhljIkxU0OYxtEpAF7RkTdQR~u-csYUr-PgPvvuHIUPbJwPbfF0UCqBgzjuUVDVOLEfImWhAmR98OFjWdpbJ2wdQQtbqCwN9XwuqELUc7bbF-HBHVceh7dp21uJUD9xLBLiexjsKhrzatF4UMH-jfPZ46CuUtFyD3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boswell board and Beatrice city council approved a fee resolution and related bond-administration changes to cover debt from construction of a new municipal landfill.

The Boswell board passed Resolution No. 77 establishing rates and charges for the Boswell solid waste disposal facility, and discussed the city’s recent $13,100,000 bond issuance to build a new landfill. Tobias, the city administrator, said the new bond produces annual debt service of “roughly $820,000 a year,” and staff calculated a roughly $5-per-ton increase would be needed to cover the shortfall. The Boswell board approved the resolution by voice vote (9–0 at the Boswell meeting).

Nut graf: The increases are targeted to make up an anticipated revenue shortfall because older bond payments were retired while the new bond obligation begins; the council and board also updated fees charged to member communities based on recent census figures.

Details: The resolution takes effect March 31 and includes an across-the-board per-ton adjustment of roughly $5 at the landfill scale. Roll-off container pricing rises $1 per cubic yard; certain C- and D-sized roll-offs rise $2 per cubic yard. Commercial brush hauler rates increase while residential curbside brush remains unchanged. Asbestos handling is proposed to increase by $2 per cubic yard; staff explained asbestos loads require special handling, burial on the liner and additional labor. Exhibit A in the fee packet was updated to reflect new per-capita allocations after the latest census, which raised or lowered partner-community charges (Tobias said most towns’ shares fell; Cortland and Virginia increased).

The Boswell meeting also passed Resolution No. 78 (Boswell) to replace Piper Sandler with Northland Securities as bond underwriter for bond administration related to Boswell; that item passed 9–0 after staff explained the change was required because of publication/affidavit issues with the earlier posting and the need to supply bond counsel an affidavit of publication.

Council-level related items included pay requests for Boswell construction work listed on the city consent agenda: pay request No. 2 to Genesis Contracting Group ($36,000) and pay request No. 2 to Proust Excavation ($137,239.65) for the Boswell South MSW landfill site projects. Those consent-agenda items passed at the council meeting (consent vote 8–0).

Why it matters: The increases and bond-administration changes directly affect municipal waste pricing for households and commercial haulers, and they alter the city’s near-term capital funding obligations. Council members asked staff to monitor unique billing situations (for example, where a private hauler pays Boswell fees on behalf of a town) and to correct any anomalies in the membership list for charging partner communities.

What’s next: The rates go into effect per the resolution; staff will notify contracted communities and commercial haulers, and the city will continue project work at the landfill as listed in pay requests.

","City council and Boswell board approved fee increases and confirmed bond-related changes to cover new landfill construction debt and updated membership fees.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reallocates CDBG downtown funds, forgives an LB840 loan and approves USDA grant application

Beatrice council adopts fee changes including water-park pass and garbage rate increases

Council backs conversion of Sixth Street (Highway 77) from four lanes to three; members and residents debate safety and cost

Beatrice council debates wording, timing of strategic plan; mayor pulls item for further work

Beatrice approves Boswell landfill fee increase as bond payments begin