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Kearney holds public hearing on proposed water and sewer rates as study moves to March vote
Summary
The Board of Aldermen opened a public hearing on proposed five-year water and sewer rate schedules based on HDR Engineering’s study; one resident spoke against the increases. The board said the FY27 fee schedule and budget ordinances incorporate the FY27 rates and will consider adoption next month.
The Board of Aldermen in Kearney opened a public hearing Feb. 17 to gather public comment on proposed water and sewer rates based on a comprehensive rate study by HDR Engineering.
Mayor Randy Pogue said the HDR study was presented to the board on Dec. 15 and updated on Jan. 20 after board feedback; an open house was held Feb. 3 and notice of the hearing was posted as required. He told attendees the Board will consider a resolution to accept the study and adopt a five-year rate schedule at a meeting in March and that the proposed FY27 fee schedule and budget ordinances before the board include the FY27 rates.
At the hearing, resident Jill Byers of 1802 Patricia Drive spoke against the proposed increases; Mayor Pogue entered her comments into the record and closed the hearing at 6:36 p.m. The board did not take a vote on rates that night.
The city’s presentation and staff materials, as summarized by Mayor Pogue and City Administrator Sheila Ernzen, say the proposed FY27 changes include continuity of a senior discount for volume-based sewer customers and an option allowing residents to select winter average sewer billing. Ernzen and the mayor emphasized that public comments provided at the hearing will be part of the official record for the board’s March deliberations.
The board’s next regular meeting is March 2, 2026, when members expect to consider formal action on the rate schedule as part of the budget and fee ordinance process.
