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Seward officials outline $751,558 storm cost estimate and warn budget will be affected
Summary
City staff told the Seward City Council that the Aug. 9 windstorm left an estimated $751,558 in damage and response costs; the city plans public budget hearings and may absorb costs if a federal disaster declaration is not granted.
City staff told the Seward City Council that the Aug. 9 storm produced preliminary estimated costs of $751,558 and that the figure could affect the fiscal-year 2025–26 budget if federal disaster aid does not arrive.
The estimate, presented during the council meeting, breaks down the total as property damage of about $96,000, labor roughly $214,000, and equipment about $317,000, with additional supply and service costs for hotels and meals for mutual‑aid crews. City staff said the total “could be less, could be more” as invoices are finalized and mutual‑aid reimbursement rates are reconciled.
Council members were told the city has met local and state thresholds for a disaster declaration and that staff is seeking a presidential disaster declaration. Mayor Eichmeier and city staff said members of Congress visited the community and that the federal determination will be critical to whether the city absorbs the costs or receives outside assistance.
Officials described rapid mutual‑aid response from the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool, nearby municipal crews and Nebraska Public Power District partners that restored power and cleared hazards. City staff said they coordinated lodging and meals for more than 50 line workers and crews who worked from early morning into nighttime hours to rebuild electric infrastructure and remove dangerous trees and debris.
The storm‑response presentation noted large volunteer participation for limb and brush removal and described operational choices about debris staging and grinding. Staff said the city used the Fourplex parking area and the fairgrounds as staging locations and that a grinder contractor will work through the material the following week.
City staff warned council members that the storm’s costs may force quick budget adjustments. The city manager explained that the community will receive the draft FY 2025–26 budget next week and that public hearings — including a postcard notice hearing and a final adoption hearing — are scheduled in mid‑September. Staff said they will monitor the presidential declaration while finalizing budget numbers.
Officials also reviewed storm‑related nonfinancial impacts: serious damage in Greenwood Cemetery, where several mature trees were uprooted, and structural damage to park and pool facilities. The council was told cemetery rules hold plot owners responsible for headstone repairs and that the city will coordinate with monument companies and families when it is safe to proceed.
The council directed staff to continue compiling documentation needed for state and federal damage‑assessment processes and to bring any significant budget changes back to the council for review.
Ending paragraph: City staff said they will publish the draft budget and a memo to the council next week and that further public meetings are planned before final adoption of the FY 2025–26 budget.
