The Chadron city council last night gave the unofficial go-ahead to sending a renewal of the city’s half-cent LB-840 economic development sales tax to the voters on April 9th. The bulk of the revenue would go to go to pay off bonds for major improvements to the city’s storm sewer system.

During a workshop that included a presentation by the city’s LB-840 advisory committee, a council consensus told City Manager Wayne Anderson and the committee to prepare a full proposal with ballot language for the council’s meeting next Monday, with the council to approve it two weeks later.

Council members expressed appreciation to the LB-840 panel for its work, and Anderson was happy to have others at the workshop show support for the storm sewer project.

The current LB-840 tax, which expires next year, brings in about $400,000 annually with 75% going to Chadron Community Hospital to help pay for the new hospital.

The tentative renewal proposal calls for a 15-year old with 80% going for the storm sewer project. The remaining 20% would go to community development and betterment projects, just as at present.

The city council also heard strong support last night for a joint project with Chadron State College to enclose the city’s outdoor swimming pool as a replacement for the college’s Armstrong pool.

The council has delayed action on a contract for a consultant to design the project and funding mechanisms for a public vote…some members citing concerns about contract language and others questioning the level of public support, especially with the LB-840 vote coming up.

Anderson and the pool backers last night emphasized that all the council is being asked to do now is let the consultant put together the package so everyone will know what’s actually being proposed and what it will cost. Anderson thinks the supporters made a strong case while recognizing the priority of the storm sewer project.

Anderson plans to work with the consultant…Burbach Aquatics…to add clarifying language to the proposed contract while council members continue to seek public input on the pool idea. The contract is now scheduled to come back for approval February 18th at the same meeting the council is expected to set the LB-840 election.

Last night’s 2-plus hour workshop on 4 issues came 2 weeks after a 4-1/2 workshop on a dozen topics. Despite the length of the sessions, Anderson thinks they’re proving to be a great addition to the city council session because all the members can get in-depth briefings at the same time.

Several council members have expressed interest in having workshop sessions on a regular basis, although not every two weeks.