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Columbus approves $950,000 purchase of NDOT maintenance yard for multi‑department use
Summary
The Columbus City Council approved purchase of a Nebraska Department of Transportation maintenance yard for $950,000 to house wastewater and parks maintenance divisions and free up space at the current parks site for police expansion; the council recommended splitting costs between parks/general fund and wastewater.
The Columbus City Council on May 5, 2025 approved a $950,000 purchase from the Nebraska Department of Transportation for a maintenance yard the city intends to reuse for multiple departments.
City staff told the council the state offered the property to political subdivisions first; the county and school district declined. The city plans to relocate its wastewater maintenance division and the parks and recreation maintenance division to the site, and free up the current parks maintenance location to expand police department operations. Staff estimated the move would avoid future construction projects and save “well over $4.5 million” in today’s dollars by eliminating the need for separate new facilities.
The committee recommended the purchase and recommended splitting the acquisition cost equally between the general fund for parks purposes and the wastewater division; staff said both divisions have funds available. Council members asked whether upgrades or maintenance would be needed; staff replied that future budgets will likely include some maintenance, but the facility appeared to be in generally good condition after inspection.
The council adopted the committee report and approved the purchase. The motion carried by voice vote; staff will return to future budgets with any upgrade costs and manage relocation planning.
