Kimball Honored For Economic Development

The City of Kimball is "only one of 29 communities to quality for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's LCC program, created in 2011 to help villages and municipalities adapt to ongoing changes and opportunity in economic development.

According to the department, Kimball has invested nearly $1 million in its business incentive programs.

"Over the past year, the city has invested nearly $1 million in its business incentive program," the DED said in a release. "Kimball's Local Option Municipal Development Act (LB840) loan program authorizes incorporated city and villages to collect and appropriate local tax dollars for economic development."

The following businesses have been the recipients of money through loans, infrastructure improvement and facade grants: High Point RV Park, The Sagebrush, Karen's Kitchen, Beer and Loathing, George Risk Industries, Woody's Liquor, Sportsman Liquor, Kimball Auto Parts, Kimball Bakery and Merrycakes, and Hays Roofing and Siding in their renovation of the Longhorn building.

Just moments after receiving the Leadership Certified Community membership, the council awarded Business Infrastructure and Business Facade grants to a number of businesses, including High Point RV Park, Kimball Auto Parts, Woody's Liquor and GRI.

In other business, Keno funds in the amount of $10,000 were requested and approved for a new shelter at Gotte Park and for the new bridge to the VFW Memorial. All the work will be done locally, according to Mayor Keith Prunty.

In a 4-0 vote, the council passed Ordinance 779 on the third and final reading. This ordinance allows golf carts on city streets, but the ordinance must be advertised before it becomes effective.

Also, the three readings of Ordinance 782 were suspended and passed. This allowed for the the sale of Evergreen lots 3 and 4.

The mayor appointed Deb Fennell to fill a vacancy on the Kimball Library Board.

The mayor reported to the council that properties in Kimball appear to be selling at a rapid rate. The police department is going to step up enforcement of properties that are neglected. This includes places overrun with weeds, nuisances and automobiles that have outdated license plates.

Interviews for the city administrator position have been rescheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. This will be a special joint public meeting of the mayor and City Council and Board of Public Works of the City of Kimball. The meeting and interviews are open to the public and will be held at The Sagebrush, 615 East 3rd Street, Kimball.

The Sept. 15 meeting of the city council will be at 6 p.m.