Planning Commission recommends city capital improvements including lead-line replacements and Box Butte sewer extension

Kaylee James, the city’s director of finance, outlined the proposed 2025–26 capital improvements program to the Planning Commission and said commissioners recommended the report to the City Council.

The program includes set-aside district funds, several street projects, a large sewer and water extension for the Box Butte business development area, and a five‑year lead service line replacement program that uses state revolving funds.

James told the commission the budget reserves $500,000 for miscellaneous paving districts, $500,000 for miscellaneous sewer districts and $400,000 for miscellaneous water districts. She said for 2025–26 the city will use a portion of those district funds to pay infrastructure costs for a Habitat for Humanity development in Marlatt Fourth Subdivision; Habitat will pay 50% up front and the city expects to recapture its share through tax‑increment financing proceeds.

James described two street projects proposed for special sales tax funding. The…