City of Kearney I-80 sign, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The City of Kearney’s overall budget is going down from last year’s total of $154 million to $132 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
The Kearney city council approved the budget during their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
It was noted that the city’s overall total budget fluctuates from year to year as it includes different construction projects and parts of city services that are run like a business.
There are three new employees being added in the upcoming fiscal year, several of which will man the new SportsPlex facility.
The largest capital projects in the next fiscal year include the finishing of the SportsPlex facility, reconstruction of the Kearney Regional Airport apron and upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant.
Large road projects include the planned roundabout on Highway 30 between University Village and the rest of the University of Nebraska – Kearney campus. While the city will manage the project, the state is paying the largest share of the project.
The City of Kearney sources of revenue for the upcoming year are broke down as, charges for services, 39.9 percent; taxes, 27 percent; internal services, 9.8 percent; grant proceeds, 8.1 percent, intergovernmental, 7.9 percent, 5.1 percent miscellaneous, etc.
The city’s tax revenue by source includes sales tax, 61 percent; property tax, 17.9 percent; occupation tax, 14.9 percent; motor vehicle tax, 2.9 percent and in-lieu of tax, 2.3 percent.
Council member Jonathan Nikkila said that Kearney’s main tax source coming from sales is aligned with how the city operates, given how many people come to Kearney to shop and use services.
The city council also approved the one-and-six-year road plan.
Luke Dutcher, Assistant Public Works with the City of Kearney appeared to discuss the plan and noted there were 10 projects on the one-year plan for 2025.
Topping the list was the 30th Ave. overpass, which Dutcher said substantial maintenance was required. The focus of repair centered around the expansion joints, approach slabs and the walking bridge.
The other project high on the list is the Highway 30 and University Drive roundabout improvements.
Dutcher said that this project will be put out for bid later in the year and noted that the cost of the project is being split between the city, Nebraska Department of Transportation and University of Nebraska – Kearney.
The overall cost of the project is $3,200,000, and the city will be responsible for $300,000.
Other projects on the one-year plan include:
- Village Plaza Second Addition – 29th Ave. and La Platte Rd., $500,000.
- 3rd St. Improvements – 10th Ave. to Yanney Ave., $1,992,000.
- 16th Ave. Improvements – Talmage St. to 3rd St., $340,000.
- 10th St. Improvements – 10th St. from 22 Ave., $150,000.
- Taylor Villas, O Ave South of 16th St., $300,000.
- Oak Park Center Fourth, 3rd Ave. and 2nd Ave. West, $400,000.
- The Meadow First, V Ave, X Ave, Y Ave and Z Ave, $1,500,000.
- Aspen Meadows Third, 37th and 38th St., $425,000.
Items on the six-year street plan includes:
- A Ave., A Ave. from 31st St. to 35th St., $1,320,000.
- N. Ave., 45th St. and N Ave intersection, $750,000.
- 16th St., 16th St. from 1st Ave to 5th Ave., $1,400,000.
- 30th St., 30th St. from Ave E. to Ave I, $1,380,000.
- 16th St., from 5th Ave. to 9th Ave., $1,340,000.
- 18th St., from Central Ave. to 1st Ave., $1,164,000.
- 1st Ave, from 18th St. to South Railroad St., $2,300,000.
- 39th St., from 17th Ave. to 22nd Ave., $2,220,000.
- 39th St., from 17th Ave. to 22nd Ave.
- 30th Ave., 30th Ave. bridge expansion, $3,100,000.
- 39th St., from R Ave. to X Ave., $2,000,000.
- Talmadge St., from Yanney Ave. to 30th Ave, $3,100,000.
30th Ave., from south of 11th Ave. to Talmadge St., $2,925,000.
During the recognition of visitors, Dave Miller, general manager with Allo Communications, appeared to present a certificate of completion to the city, as all their fiber optic lines have been installed.
The project began in November 2021 and was completed in May 2024.
Miller said Allo Communications has invested $32 million into the community and brought 42 full time jobs to Kearney, they also utilized local contractors through the construction projects.
