The Cozad City Council approved several infrastructure and economic development items during its Monday meeting. Council members approved a $161,319.12 application and certificate of payment to Midland Contracting of Kearney for the 12th Street Water Main Project. Interim City Administrator Mike Morgan said the project is substantially complete, with only minor cleanup and restoration work remaining.
The Council authorized Mayor Marcus Kloepping to sign a $13,500 agreement with JK Energy Consulting to conduct a cost-of-service and rate design study. Morgan said the study comes in response to an expected 10 percent wholesale electric rate increase from Nebraska Public Power District beginning January 1st. The study will evaluate the impact on Cozad utility customers, prepare a financial reserve policy, and review updates needed to the city’s electric rate ordinance.
Council members approved Ordinance 1588, creating an expanded no-parking zone at the intersection of 12th and E streets west of Cozad Community Hospital. The change extends the no-parking area from 25 feet to 50 feet from the intersection to improve visibility and traffic safety. Police Chief Nick Reynolds says it will improve sightline concerns for motorists entering the intersection.
The council also approved a short-payoff agreement related to the sale of the Cobblestone Inn and Suites. City officials said the agreement will allow the hotel to remain open under new ownership despite proceeds from the sale being insufficient to satisfy all existing debt obligations. The city will receive a $5,000 payment that will be returned to the revolving loan fund associated with the project.
Morgan also provided updates on several city projects, including parking improvements near City Hall, distribution of new sanitation and yard-waste containers, and plans to relocate the city’s yard-waste disposal site from Highway 30 to the city tree dump area.
The next meting is November 2, 2026 at 5:30pm.
