City of Kearney Council Chambers, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Kearney city council received a report on the sale tax capital improvement program from the city manager during their meeting on Tuesday, March 26.
Brenda Jensen, Kearney City Manager, gave the council the report on the capital improvement program which is funded by sales taxes.
The citizens of Kearney approved a half cent sales tax in 2005 for the purpose of funding capital improvement projects and equipment. The city council must hold a public hearing each year to receive citizen input and to prioritize and allocate the special sales tax fund.
Jensen said around $6.25 million in revenue will be generated by the sales tax, with around $5.6 million available in spending as part of the funds go toward debt payments. The next priority is regular maintenance for streets and updating disability access to curbs and ramps, they also target areas needing sidewalks.
Jensen also noted the city operates 15 snowplows and each year they replace one.
Another note was the $220,000 pledge to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Rural Health Education Building.
The three main projects in the next fiscal year is a street project on Avenue A, from 31st to 35th St., which will cost $1,534,100. The second main project is street intersection improvements at N Ave and 45th, costing $525,000.
The third project 11th Ave. trail extension, south of 56th St. along the out lot, generally near Mead Lumber. This project will cost $125,000.
The city council approved the capital improvement plan.
During the report section, council vice-president Randy Buschkoetter thanked the members of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department and the other area fire departments that worked to extinguish the 600-acre wildfire that occurred north of Riverdale on Saturday, March 22.
Jensen also noted that the KVFD paid staff and volunteers work side by side, while other peer communities have more of a distinction between the two. She said the collaboration helps how the department operates.
