Hastings, Nebraska, Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today
HASTINGS — Members of the Hastings City Council passed the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget during a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 15 with $408,000 in cuts.
The only items on the meeting agenda were amended Ordinance 4809, adopting the annual appropriation bill; and a resolution adopting the annual fee resolution, which was postponed from the Sept. 8 council meeting.
Approval of ordinance 4809 completes the budget process and allows for appropriations during the new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
Council members voted 7-1 to amend Ordinance 4809 to remove $375,000 out of a $750,000 line item for a proposed jet hangar, leaving $375,000 for the project. The amendment spreads the cost for the hangar project equally across the 25-26 and 26-27 fiscal years. Councilman Marc Rowan dissented.
The Council then voted 7-1 to approve Ordinance 4809 and then voted 7-1 to suspend the rule and take second and final readings.
Recruiting a jet would give the Hastings airport “regional” status and create opportunities for more federal funding.
Council members also voted 6-2 on an amendment that would place the costs of credit card fees on the person using the credit card at
Development Services, Aquacourt, Parks & Recreation, Library, Museum and Police departments. Council members Maggie Esch and Matt Fong dissented.
Credit cards are the only payment method with a fee.
