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Otoe County tables Nebraska City Utilities’ biosolids conditional-use permit after residents raise odor, storage and proximity concerns
Summary
At a May 5 public hearing, multiple residents objected to a Nebraska City Utilities application to apply biosolids in Otoe County, citing odor, flies, extended storage and nearby population; the board voted unanimously to table the application and asked the utility to submit a revised location for the June 2 meeting.
A public hearing at the Otoe County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting on May 5 drew multiple residents who urged caution over a conditional use permit application from Nebraska City Utilities to apply biosolids on county property.
Commissioner Jerad Sornson opened the hearing; residents including Kate and Dave Patton, Todd Babbel, Tim Bargary, Jim Frerichs, Larry Landwehr, Bev Stanek, Danielle Southard, Denise Vanezuela, Matt Freder and Lori Knorr spoke about where material would be stored and spread and about potential odor, flies and effects on nearby populations. Jon Borer and Jerry Whitehead spoke for Nebraska City Utilities and answered questions from the board and members of the public.
Residents called for a site review and asked that the Bargary/Henry site be relocated. The board said a new application showing an updated location would be required. Commissioner Parsons moved to table the application; Commissioner Cole seconded. The motion carried with Sornson, Freshman, Parsons, Crownover and Cole voting aye; no members voted against.
The board directed Nebraska City Utilities to return with a revised application and location plan; the utility’s revised application is scheduled to appear on the board’s June 2, 2026 agenda. The hearing record shows concerns centered on siting, storage duration, nuisance impacts and proximity to residences; no permit was approved at this meeting.
Next steps: the applicant must submit a new application that shows the proposed, updated location(s) and the item will be considered again at the June 2 meeting.
