Resolutions Approved For Special Election Ballot

On Tuesday at the regular Kimball City Council meeting, the council held two public hearings and approved the special election to place Resolutions 2023-01 and 2023-07 on the special election ballot to be held on June 13.

Resolution 2023-01 approved the placing of the City of Kimball Economics Development Sales and Use Tax on a special election ballot and Resolution 2023-07 places the matter of an infrastructure project local sales and use tax on the special election ballot with an increase of an additional 1/2% from the current rate of 1.5% to a total of 2%.

Mayor John Morrison asked for a discussion before the vote on 2023-07, which is known as the LB840 Tax. Council member Gabe Ingram started the discussion with, “It provides a valuable resource for start-up businesses and existing businesses, some of which can’t get normal commercial credit” he continued to state that it should be continued.

The motion was made and seconded, a vote was taken, and LB840 was approved 4-0 to go onto the ballot for the special election.

Morrison then moved on to the next resolution, 2023-01, a half-cent increase in sales tax for infrastructure, which is a 10-year tax. Morrison began the discussion by explaining that he wasn’t sure this was the time, but said he wasn’t against it.

The lengthy discussion began with Council member Creg Pike stating his opinion. Pike responded quickly with interest in proceeding immediately with this resolution. Pike was concerned about the limited amount of time left for the life of the swimming pool. There is “maybe one more year left” for the life of the pool. Pike said, “We cannot wait!”

Ingram responded, wanting to know where the cost analysis and drawings for the pool were. Council member Christy Warner said that the voters would have the chance to have a say in a decision on the pool and other infrastructure measures.

Council member Don Muench asked if money was being set aside for infrastructure projects. The answer was no.

Resolution 2023-01 was approved by a 4-0 to be placed on the special election ballot.

In other business, the Zelle representative presented the city handbook, and the council approved the new handbook, noting that additional things could be inserted at a later date. Zelle has plans to meet with all employees and go over the handbook.

The City Council heard a presentation by Kimball County Transit Service.

The transit is looking for support and lease options from the city. The issue will be on a later agenda.

The mayor reported that recent city improvements are continuing and include the hospital, new daycare center, new car wash, and Dollar General moving to a new location. In addition, the city will be hiring a new city clerk and there are openings for positions on city boards.

The City Council entered into executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding city staff and potential/pending claims against the city.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 21 in City Hall.