Wisner council adopts pool wage ordinance amid uncertainty over summer opening

The Wisner City Council on Monday adopted Ordinance No. 2026-1201, setting an hourly pay schedule for municipal swimming pool employees even as officials said it is uncertain whether the pool will open this summer. The ordinance, passed by a 4–0 roll call vote, specifies $16.00 per hour for new lifeguards, $16.75 for returning lifeguards (a $0.75 returning stipend) and $20.00 for the pool manager.

Clerk/Treasurer Stephanie James told the council hiring paperwork has not been sent because applicants have not been formally hired and, as of the meeting, “no one has a pool operator’s license. The pool cannot be open unless there is someone at the pool with a PO license.” Council members noted the State of Nebraska is changing certification rules and applicants have until July 2026 under the current transition to obtain required credentials.

Councilman Andrew Schweers introduced the ordinance and the council temporarily suspended the three-day reading rule so it could be considered at the meeting. The motion to suspend was moved by Councilwoman Cathy Gobar and seconded by Councilman LJ Parker. Councilman Parker then moved for final passage with corrected wage amounts and Councilman Schweers seconded the motion. Roll call vote in favor: Schweers, Meyer, Parker, Gobar. Mayor Terry Soden declared the ordinance adopted and signed it in open session.

Mayor Soden said council members supported adoption so prospective hires would know their pay: “if we hire someone, they will want to know what they are going to be making.” Clerk James said the ordinance language allows hiring additional staff after passage and that she would include a note in new-hire packets explaining the city is not certain the pool will open this year.

City Administrator Randy Woldt and members discussed operational barriers to opening: the city is waiting on a shipment of caulk from Arnold Pool Company that Woldt said was ordered almost three weeks earlier and whose location is currently unknown; when it arrives it will need to cure for five to seven days before the pool can be filled. The council also noted the health department may assume inspection responsibility for local pools as state oversight changes proceed.

The ordinance adoption formalizes pay for the six applicants currently under consideration; council members said they intend to keep those applicants on file and reconsider opening days depending on staffing and certification status. The clerk will notify hires and track who attains pool-operator certification. The council did not set or change admission fees at the meeting.