A public hearing for the purpose of discussing the 2024-2025 budget for the city of Wayne was the first item of business on the agenda when the Wayne City Council met in regular session on Tuesday.
City Finance Director Beth Porter explained the requirements of the hearing and told council members another hearing would be held at the next meeting.
She said the city's valuation has gone up 10.51% and the total levy, which includes the General Fund, Wayne Airport Authority and Community Redevelopment Authority, is .393959 cents per $100 in valuation.
No one from the public spoke during the public hearing.
Dave Peterson with JEO Consulting was present at Tuesday's meeting to discuss the city's desire to for a Request for Proposals (RFP)in regard to the city's need to contract for energy services beginning in 2027.
Currently, the city has a contract with Big Rivers to provide energy to the city. This contract will be expiring at the end of 2026 and the city is looking to use its power plant capacity in the market so it can contract for energy only services.
Peterson explained that the city will seek RFPs during a 30-day window with bids opened on Oct. 4. The city will then review these bids during November and December. It is anticipated that five to six proposals will be received.
"We will look at all these proposals and see what would be in the city's best interest. We will also look at the flexibility each contract would give the city," Peterson said.
He also told the council that Northeast Power and the city of Wakefield are also looking to do the same with their electricity suppliers.
A resolution authorizing the Chief Elected Official to sign an application for Community Development Block Grant Funds for public works was approved.
The original resolution for the funding was approved earlier this year; however, Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NNEDD) has determined the amount needs to increased from $435,00 to $450,000 and information regarding low to moderate income people needs to be removed. Instead, language in the grant application will include using the funds for ADA accessibility and for clientele 62 years and older.
City Administrator Wes Blecke explained to council members what would need to be done to comply with grant requirements.
Council members took action approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Community Redevelopment Authority regarding a $300,000 loan. It was noted that credit has been given for payments already made in the amount of $110,000 and how the remaining $190,000 would be paid back over the next 10 years.
In other action, council members tabled resolutions involving interlocal agreements with the Village of Carroll and the Village of Winside regarding Dispatch/9-1-1 services.
The two villages have been paying $1,520 for these services, a rate which has not been adjusted since 2008. It is recommended that this amount be increased to $3,000 per year for the coming fiscal year with an escalation of 4% thereafter for four years.
Additional information is needed on specific parts of the agreement before it can be approved.
Council members also amended an interlocal agreement with the City of Laurel for water/wastewater services. The agreement, which is for six months, will include the city of Laurel paying a monthly fee of $250 and increasing the hourly rate to $90 during regular business hours and $180 per hour outside regular business hours.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
