Chadron council declines LB840 grant payment for downtown lights after split vote

The Chadron City Council considered whether to approve LB840 community development funds for Chadron Centennial Inc. to cover upgrades to downtown Christmas lights and poles.

Emily Klein, speaking to the council, described the history and timing of the work and explained that contractor scheduling required installation before the group could submit its LB840 application. "Our goal was to submit this LB840 request to finish the last 9 street light poles on the South End of Main Street," Emily Klein said, detailing bids and the October 30 submission date.

Council members cited the community development committee’s recommendation against funding the request because the cited work had already been completed before the application was submitted. One council member said the committee process exists to prevent awarding funds retroactively. City manager Tom noted that the underlying vendor invoice would still be paid and offered to identify alternate projects for LB840 funds if the council declined the request.

Council debate focused on process versus perceived community benefit. A motion to approve the LB840 payment did not pass; the chair recorded the result as "2 to 2 to 1," and the motion failed for lack of the necessary affirmative votes.

Council members who supported overriding the committee emphasized community benefit and timing challenges with contractor availability; opponents stressed adherence to the committee’s rules and fairness for other applicants. Staff said no bulbs had been ordered and that the city could pay the bill from general funds if council directed it.

With the motion defeated, council directed staff to explore alternative uses for LB840 funds and to manage the invoice according to city procedures.