NEBRASKA CITY – City commissioners agreed Monday to step away from a policy that the Nebraska City rescue service is expected to be self-sustaining.
Finance Commissioner Gloria Glover said payment of rescue squad bills is often uncertain and there can be significant delays in billing through government programs, such as Medicare.
When the city took over the rescue service from an all-volunteer organization in 2008, there was discussion that the rescue squad would support itself financially. Glover said that has not happened.
She said the city subsidy was $120,000 in 2018, $169,000 in 2019 and $238,000 in 2020.
Glover: “It’s been building.”
She requested a policy change to reflect what is actually happening.
The Nebraska City EMS/Rescue reports another record setting month in April. They handled the most transfers in a month in department history.
EMS has averaged 46 transfers over the past seven months, but had 68 in April. They also responded to 73 911 alarms.
The Morton-James Public Library reports an average of 929 visitors per month, but has had 1,221 since re-opening on April 5.
In other action, the Nebraska City City Council approved use of city streets and parks for several events this summer, including the new Independence Day event named Treestock.
Treestock is a live, musical entertainment event to continue the celebration of 150 years of Arbor Day. Artists will be playing folk, country, soul and blues on the north side of Steinhart Park beginning at 1 p.m.
Bands will play until around 9 p.m., prior to the fireworks show.
Outdoor games, food trucks and a beer garden are also planned.
The tentative lineup includes Jack Hotel, Lucas Minor, The River Hawks and Hector Anchondo.
The Nebraska City Jaycees are planning the annual Independence Day fireworks show on Saturday, July 3, with a July 4 rain date. Two to six-inch fireworks are planned, including 4,000 shells and ground displays.
A fundraiser roadblock is planned at the intersection of 10th Street and Central Avenue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 12.
Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce is also planning to use the shelter at Wildwood Park on June 15 for a free cookout picnic. Lied Center’s Arts Across Nebraska will sponsor music by Jarana.
A June 15 rain date is scheduled.
River City Classic Car Club is planning the AppleJack Car Show on Sunday, Sept. 19.
City Attorney Drew Graham has prepared an ordinance intended to allow a trap, neuter and release program in the city for cats.
