By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — It took just over 20 minutes for the North Platte City Council to work through its agenda Tuesday evening, but Mayor Brandon Kelliher said several items will have a lasting impact on the community, from park improvements to preparations for the city's annual budget process.
One of the largest items approved was a contract for the Iron Horse Park Trail Project. Kelliher said the project will complete a full loop around the lake at Iron Horse Park, creating an approximately one-mile, eight-foot-wide concrete trail for walking, running and biking.
The project builds on previous grant funding that paid for the first two phases of the trail. With Tuesday night's approval, the city can now complete the entire loop.
Kelliher said the trail will benefit local residents while also providing another recreational attraction for travelers stopping in North Platte.
"We're hoping that it gets finished here before the snow flies this year," Kelliher said, noting construction will depend on contractor schedules.
The council also approved items related to warrant financing, including designating First Interstate Bank as the city's warrant lender. Kelliher explained warrant financing serves as a short-term funding tool that allows contractors to receive payment throughout construction projects while the city completes long-term financing after projects are finished.
"It's an efficient way to pay the contractors for their work," he said.
Another agenda item advanced the long-discussed sale of a vacated alley near East 12th Street to Dennis and Shirley Ogborn. Kelliher said the property transfer will allow construction of a duplex after nearly 18 months of discussions involving adjacent property owners and the Housing Authority.
"We appreciate Mr. Ogborn's perseverance in this," Kelliher said. "We've been talking about this for probably 18 months."
Kelliher also highlighted a historic building survey included on the consent agenda. The report documents many of North Platte's historic buildings, their history and potential funding opportunities available to property owners seeking to preserve them.
Looking ahead, Kelliher said city leaders are preparing for budget season, which begins in earnest next month. Multiple work sessions will be held to review departmental budgets before final approval later this fall.
He acknowledged the budgeting process has become increasingly complicated as state lawmakers continue modifying property tax and revenue limitation laws.
City officials begin preparing the annual budget months in advance in an effort to balance expenses while keeping taxes and fees competitive with similarly sized Nebraska communities, Kelliher said.
The mayor also encouraged residents to enjoy this week's Lincoln County Fair and attend the North Platte Public Schools Foundation's Evening of Excellence on Friday, where community members who have made significant contributions will be recognized.