The Broken Bow City Council met in regular session on Tuesday evening, October 28 at the Broken Bow Municipal Building. Joe Wamsley was the sole member absent.
Broken Bow Police Promote New Sergeant
Police Officer Paul Cunningham was promoted to Sergeant at the Council meeting Tuesday. From an Air Force family, and serving in the Air Force himself, Sergeant Cunningham joined the Broken Bow Police Department in August 2022.
Broken Bow Police Chief Chris Anderson noted Cunningham’s demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and leadership. Anderson particularly lauded Cunningham’s calm steady presence, bringing clarity and reassurance in challenging situations.
Cunningham’s family looked on as he received his sergeant’s pins from his wife, Jenna, and sons Braydon and Derrick.
Audit Report Reveals City in Good Financial Standing
Robert Meyer of accounting firm RJ Meyer and Associates in North Platte provided the city an overview of their recent audit of the City’s finances as of the fiscal year ending in September 2024. Meyer found that the City’s finances were stable and consistent from year to year, and that budgeting activities were appropriate.
In findings, Meyer noted two items that were included as a matter of procedure. The first is an insufficient number of personnel to ensure appropriate segregation of financial duties. This was viewed however to be expected for a municipality the size of Broken Bow. Similarly, a note required by statute indicated that the City did not fully provide the financial statement reviewed in the audit, as City personnel and Meyer’s firm collaborated closely in creation of the report.
This was the first full year of collaboration between Meyer and Associates and the City of Broken Bow. Meyer noted that the city staff were very helpful and looked forward to working together moving forward.
The full Audit Report may be obtained from the City Offices for those interested in reviewing the document.
City Approves Handicap Parking Spot, Again Delays Approval of Electric Rate Increase, Other Actions
A handicap parking stall was approved at the corner of South D and 7th Avenue. Broken Bow City Administrator Dave Schmidt told the Council that the spot was requested by the firm of Sennett, Duncan, Jenkins & Wickham. No other space is available nearby, and Schmidt viewed adding the space as beneficial.
The Council also held a second reading of an ordinance to increase electric rates by around 2% for residential and 7% for industrial users. A third reading and opportunity to comment on the rate increase will take place at the next Council meeting on November 10.
A new credit card service for City business is being sought. The cards currently held by the city were originally provided through Orschlens. However, with the purchase of that company, administrative management of the cards is becoming untenable. The Council approved opening a credit card account through Nebraska State Bank, which Schmidt noted would give the City a local touch point for card administration.
With the anticipated purchase of a new loader, the Council approved selling the oldest such machine, currently in use at the City Tree Dump. This will provide funds for a down-payment on the new equipment.
Finally, Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce Director Stephanie Grafel rose during public comment to thank the City for its cooperation in the upcoming Trunk or Treat on the City Square. At least 56 parking spaces are planned to be set aside for participants providing treats to youth. Mayor Rod Sonnichsen commented that the site of all of the kids and trunks at the event is “tremendous” and recommended anyone who has never seen it take advantage of this year’s celebration to do so.
The Broken Bow City Council Adjourned at 6:34 PM. The next meeting of the City Council will be Monday, November 10 due to the Veteran’s Day Holiday, at the Broken Bow Municipal Building.
(NOTE – The date of the next City Council Meeting has been corrected from the 12th to the 10th of November.)
