Grand Island City Council Meeting – April 28, 2026

The Grand Island City Council met on April 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. to discuss a financial and budget update, approve multiple resolutions, including a major LB 840 grant for Case New Holland and a $25 million bond ordinance, and hear public comment. Councilmembers Sheard and Pollock were absent.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda (items A through J) without discussion or removal.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jerry Poles spoke in opposition to the proposed $25 million bond ordinance. He criticized the council for spending large sums while debating small items, argued the city should set aside funds rather than borrow, and expressed concern about rising project costs (e.g., Island Oasis water park) and future staffing for the pool. He urged the council to “stop spending” and better manage taxpayer money.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of State Speech Champions – The council presented certificates and lapel pins to Grand Island speech team members for outstanding performance at the state championships. Coach Dr. Jordan Ingall noted the team had four state champions (Kinley and Brianna are juniors, hoping to return next year).
• National Guard Boss Flight Recognition – Councilmember Doug Brown and ESGR volunteers Todd Hossey and Major Lindaham reported on the April 22 Boss Flight event hosted by the Nebraska Air National Guard. Over 50 community leaders participated. GIPD Sergeant Jason Wood received the Employer Patriot Award for supporting National Guard employees. The council thanked all involved.
• City Financial & Budget Update (FY 2027 Preview) – City Administrator Patrick Brown presented a detailed financial overview:
  • National economy: GDP growth at 0.5% (Q4 2025), unemployment 4.3%, CPI inflation 3.3%.
  • Nebraska: unemployment 3% (Jan 2026), but state revenue forecasts cut by $175 million for FY 2026‑27.
  • Grand Island: municipal equalization fund drops from $1.6 million to $823,000 next year.
  • Sales tax revenue: year-to‑date $14.7 million of $29.7 million budgeted; growth only 1.4% (≈$250,000 increase).
  • Good Life District occupation sales tax: budgeted $7 million, received $3.4 million so far; many retailers not checking the required box, causing missed revenue. Councilmembers discussed the lack of enforcement mechanisms and the risk to bonding capacity.
  • Proposed FY 27 budget shows a $3 million deficit even with 1% revenue growth, and with requested new FTEs (costing $1.6 million), the deficit could reach $4.6 million.
  • The city’s five‑year projection worksheet indicates negative ending cash by FY 2028 under current assumptions.
  • Councilmembers (Stelk, Nickerson, Hawsey, O’Neill) emphasized the need for conservative budgeting, sustainability, and aligning decisions with facts, not emotions.
• Public Hearing – Liquor License (Lucky’s Bar & Beer Garden): No public testimony; council approved the Class C license upon final inspection.
• Public Hearing – Right‑of‑Way Easement (State Street/Deers Avenue Project): No testimony; council approved the permanent easement for Grand Island Joint Venture LLC.
• Resolution 9A – Yard Waste Operations Contract: Public Works Director Keith Kurtz presented a proposal from a private operator to run the yard waste site for three years with possible extensions. The contract includes free service to residents, capped commercial rates, and a provision for storm‑damage events. Cost: $945 for the remainder of this year, increasing annually. The existing site cost $143,000 in 2025. The council approved the resolution.
• Resolution 9B – Case New Holland LB 840 Application: Mary Burley of the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation presented a $388,000 LB 840 grant to support a $48 million expansion of the Case New Holland plant, including a redesigned Axial‑Flow combine. The company will add 45 FTEs (baseline 680). The council praised the company’s community involvement (United Way, Hope Harbor donations). The LB 840 fund balance after approval would be $644.52. The resolution was approved.
• Resolution 9C – Appointment of Finance Director/Treasurer: Patrick Brown introduced Chelsea Steinkey as the new finance director/treasurer. Steinkey has private‑sector accounting experience and is pursuing a master’s in HR. The council approved the appointment.
• Resolution 9D – Payment to Central Nebraska Humane Society: The council approved payment for February and March 2026, following earlier concerns about contract oversight. Approved.
• Ordinance 10A – Salary Ordinance (Water Crew Chief): Ryan Schmidt explained a net‑neutral reclassification using a retirement to create a water crew chief position, improving departmental structure. Approved.
• Ordinance 10B – Irrigation Well Inspection Fee Change: Revised Section 1528 to exempt irrigation wells from mandatory inspection fees when re‑connected; only the standard turn‑on charge applies. Approved.
• Ordinance 10C – $25 Million Bond Ordinance: Authorizes up to $25 million in tax‑supported bonds for improvements to Heartland Event Center, Island Oasis, and to refinance a 2016 promissory note (Veterans Park). Councilmember O’Neill moved approval; after public comment from Jerry Poles, the council discussed bundled financing, annual payments, and the use of food‑and‑beverage and hotel‑occupancy tax revenues to service the debt. The ordinance was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (items A–J).
• Public hearings: Lucky’s Bar liquor license (approved); State Street easement (approved).
• Resolution 9A: Yard waste operation contract awarded (approved).
• Resolution 9B: LB 840 grant of $388,000 to Case New Holland for 45 new FTEs (approved).
• Resolution 9C: Chelsea Steinkey appointed finance director/treasurer (approved).
• Resolution 9D: Payment to Central Nebraska Humane Society for Feb‑March 2026 (approved).
• Ordinance 10A: Salary classification for water crew chief (approved).
• Ordinance 10B: Revision of irrigation well inspection fee (approved).
• Ordinance 10C: $25 million bond issuance authorized (approved).
• Council directed staff to continue monitoring Good Life District revenues and pursue educational outreach to retailers.
• The FY 2027 budget process will emphasize conservative revenue forecasting and close monitoring of expenditures; further discussion on FTE requests is expected.