Council moves forward on proposed county economic development corporation; appoints city representation

The council continued multi‑month conversations about forming a joint economic development corporation and directed staff to pursue city representation on the proposed board rather than executing an interlocal agreement immediately.

City Manager Josh Hansen reviewed the history of the proposal, noting prior briefings and a November public forum hosted by E3. Hansen presented a financial comparison: the proposed interlocal would cost the city $115,000 annually for five years (roughly $575,000 total), while continuing internal support at the current budget level of about $22,172 annually would total about $110,860 over five years. Hansen emphasized he was not recommending immediate execution of the interlocal; instead he sought council direction.

Council agreed to appoint one city position and one councilmember to represent the city on the Cheyenne County Economic Development Corporation board should the county proceed. The council voted to designate the city manager position as the staff representative and nominated Councilmember Jeremy for the city council slot; votes to confirm both were recorded in favor.

Hansen and others noted E3 has provided in‑kind support at no charge—marketing, LB840 program support and outreach—and that contractual performance indicators should be built into any future agreement. Council asked staff to proceed with board appointment steps and to return the interlocal agreement and performance measures for final review if the county decides to move forward.