BROKEN BOW – During the Broken Bow City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 27, the council approved the sole agenda item for a resolution waiving the city’s portion of payments in lieu of taxes for the Broken Bow Housing Authority for fiscal years 2024, 2025 and 2026, with automatic waivers extending through 2029 unless the city provides written notice to change the arrangement.
Cameron Hall, the new housing authority director, requested the waiver, explaining that the agency is facing financial challenges while working to increase occupancy.
Hall said the Broken Bow agency’s financial situation has been affected by declining occupancy and rental income.
“Right now, we are not sitting in a great position,” Hall said. “We’re not terrible, but running year to date we are into our reserves about $71,000.”
The city’s portion of the payments in lieu of taxes totals $29,631 for fiscal year 2024 and $27,933 for 2025. Hall said the additional financial obligations would put further pressure on the housing authority’s limited reserves.
“The city is very fortunate to have that program in Broken Bow,” Mayor Rod Sonnichsen said. “I believe we should have yearly updates from the housing authority with the PILOT funds to keep the council and public informed.”
Sonnichsen also noted that this resolution was highly recommended by Broken Bow City Administrator, David Schmidt.
Under the approved resolution, the Broken Bow city clerk, Jennifer Waterhouse explained, the city’s portion of the payments will be waived in full for fiscal years 2024 through 2026. The waiver will automatically continue for fiscal years 2027, 2028 and 2029 unless the city provides written notice at least 90 days before the start of a fiscal year to modify, suspend or discontinue it.
Hall said the housing authority currently has 84 units available in Broken Bow, including 40 one bedroom apartments at the Custer Heights tower with 44 separate sites consisting of two, three, four and five bedroom duplexes and houses scattered around Broken Bow.
The units provide income based affordable housing for individuals and families. Hall said the authority’s income limits have increased in recent years, allowing more working families to qualify.
However, the housing authority is working to address a 20% vacancy rate, with a goal of reducing vacancies to 5%.
“I am upping the advertising,” Hall said. “Several homes have been updated with new flooring, cabinets and paint so they are all in good shape.”
Other Items Discussed
During public comment, the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director, Stephanie Grafel also reminded the council about Sidewalk Spooks that is scheduled for this Friday, October 30, with 65 businesses and organizations participating. Grafel thanked the council for their support and help with closing intersections along D Street at Eighth, Ninth and 10th avenues to keep children safe while crossing during the event.
Grafel said the Chamber’s next major community event will be the Festival of Lights on November 30, followed by preparations for Holiday Lane decorations along 10th Avenue.
The next meeting of the Broken Bow City Council is scheduled for November 10, 2026 at 6:00pm in the Broken Bow Municipal Building.
