City of Oshkosh Minutes January-2026
The City of Oshkosh Council met for regular session January 8th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act of Nebraska, a current copy of the act is posted in the Council Chambers. Notice of this meeting was advertised in the Garden County News and posted at the Oshkosh Post Office, City Hall and Courthouse. The agenda for this meeting was kept current and available for inspection at City Hall.
Mayor Jeannie Schwartz called the meeting to order and read the Open Meetings Act, LV 898.
Present: Mayor Jeannie Schwartz, Council Members: Mike Piva, and Gary DeCock. Also attending: City Attorney Rory Roundtree, City Administrator James Bondegard, Deputy Clerk Kim Martin, Sheriff Randy Ross, Tom Martin, Deb Condra, and Tony Martinez.
Piva brought up discussion on health insurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield claim. Piva stated that he wanted to have a special meeting to discuss employee health insurance before approving claim for Blue Cross Blue Shield for January 2026 premiums for employee health insurance. After discussion with attorney and council Bondegard advised that he would put public notice for special meeting.
Motion by DeCock, seconded by Schwartz to approve the consent agenda: agenda, minutes, all claims except Blue Cross Blue Shield for Januarys employee health insurance premium payment, Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried unanimously.
SALARIES-19,325.16; AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL-1,908.72-RETIREMENT; BANK OF AMERICA-767.92- POSTAGE, SUPPLIES, AND SUBSCRIPTIONS; BLACK HILLS ENERGY 712.04- GAS; BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD 9,912.75-HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIM DENIED;BYTES 193.36-COMPUTER BACKUP; CENTURY LINK 88.56-PHONE SERVICE, DAVID MILLER-150.00 DEPOSIT RETURN, GARDEN COUNTY HEALTH SERVICE- 1,200.00-DEDUCTIBLE REIMBURSEMNT,
GARDEN COUNTY NEWS 141.35 PUBLISHING; GUARDIAN LIFE INSURANCE 90.13-LIFE INSURANCE; JERRY SMITH 700.00-ANIMAL CONTROL; MICHAEL TODD- 837.00 -CHAIN; MUNICIPLE SUPPLY-484.30-REPAIS; NE HEALTH LAB-32.00-WATER TESTING; NPPD 2779.55-ELECTRICITY; ONE CALL CONCEPTS 36.78 CALL-TO-DIG SERVICES; OSHKOSH ACE 83.24-PARTS AND SUPPLIES; OSHKOSH SUPERETTE 7.19-SUPPLIES; ROSE EQUIPMEN –179.41 -PARTS; ROUNDTREE LAW 803.80-ATTORNEY FEES; SCOTT SMITH 20.00-REIMBURSEMENT; TAYLOR WALTMAN 20.00-REIMBURSEMENT; VALLEY TIRE 425.72-FUEL AND PARTS; VIAERO 131.06-CELL PHONE SERVICE; WASTE CONNECTIONS 12,187.21-TRASH CONTRACT; WHEATBELT 1468.92-ELECTRICITY; NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF
REVENUE 875.51-SALES TAXES; NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE- 1209.08-INCOME TAX; IRS- 4954.42-FEDERAL TAX.
Update on Grants and Trusted Community Development formally Twin Cities Development: Bondegard gave updates on grants. He did let council know that we were not awarded the scrap tire grant but that we are still waiting to hear on others. TCD agreed to help campaign for LB 357 Ballot Initiative.
NEW BUSINESS:
Deputy Clerk Martin presented a support letter received from Mindy Kezar in support of Matthew Krajewski for the vacant city council position.
Motioned by Schwartz, seconded by DeCock to appoint Matthew Krajewski for vacant City Council position. Voting Aye: DeCock, Schwartz. Voting Nay: Piva. Motion failed to appoint vacant council position.
Deb Condra addressed the council with questions about what they are looking for in a candidate for council. Piva replied to the comment that he wants someone family oriented, someone who puts themselves out there, they ask questions, always show up and will be engaged, people who are more outspoken. Piva stated he has his nominees that he has served on other boards with that he would like on the council. Deb also asked where she could find the city ordinances, Bondegard directed her to the city page.
Sheriff Randy Ross presented the Sheriff’s report.
The Animal Control Report was reviewed.
Motion by Schwartz, seconded by DeCock to Suspend the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by title on three different days to be suspended and that Ordinance No.488 be considered on same day upon reading by number and placed on final passage. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY OF OSHKOSH
ORDINANCE NO. 488
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH, GARDEN COUNTY, NEBRASKA, TO CONTINUE THE ONE-HALF PERCENT (1/2%) SALES TAX AUTHORIZED BY LB840 FROM JULY 1, 2025 FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FROM OCTOBER 1, 2025 FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; AND TO PROVIDE WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE IN EFFECT.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH, NEBRASKA:
SECTION 1.
That an election was held with the City of Oshkosh on Tuesday, November 4, 2024, to consider the following questions:
Proposition1: Shall the City of Oshkosh, Nebraska, continue a sales and use tax currently imposed, by imposing a sales and use tax in the amount of one-half of one percent (1/2%) upon the same transactions within the City of Oshkosh on which the State of Nebraska is authorized to impose a tax, subject to the following terms and conditions:
Proposition 2: Shall the City of Oshkosh, Nebraska, continue an Economic Development Program currently in place, for an additional period of ten years from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2035, in order to utilize the revenue of an estimated $65,000 per year for the term of the tax to be appropriated from the sales and use tax set forth in Proposition No. 1?
SECTION 2.
That the election held Tuesday, November 4, 2024, result in the majority of the votes cast upon the question voting favorably on Propositions 1 and 2, sales and use tax and Economic Development Program.
SECTION 3.
That a certified copy of the election results showing approval and a statement that indicated that the issue had not been voted on and failed within the last 23 months is hereby attached and incorporated herein by reference into this Ordinance.
SECTION 4.
That the tax shall become effective and has been in effect since July 1, 2025 and shall terminate on June 30, 2035.
SECTION 5.
That the Economic Development Program shall become effective and has been in effect since October 1, 2025 and shall terminate on September 30, 2035.
SECTION 6.
That a certified copy of the Economic Development Plan of the City of Oshkosh is hereby attached and incorporated herein by reference into this Ordinance.
SECTION 7.
That all funds collected by this tax shall be used in accordance with the Economic Development Program and all applicable Nebraska statutes.
SECTION 8.
That a certified map of the City of Oshkosh clearly showing the boundaries of the City is hereby attached and incorporated herein by reference into this Ordinance.
SECTION 9.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication according to law.
Passed, approved and adopted on this 8th day of January, 2026.
Motioned by DeCock, seconded Schwartz to approve Ordinance NO.488. Motion carried unanimously.
Motioned by Piva, seconded by Schwartz to adopt Resolution 2026-01. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-01
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh, Nebraska currently imposes a municipal sales and use tax, pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. §18-2701 et. seq., of two percent (2%) as provided for by Nebraska law; and
WHEREAS, voters of the City of Oshkosh approved continued use of one-half percent (1/2%) of the current sales tax, on November 5, 2024 related to the Oshkosh Economic Development Program for a period of ten additional years from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2035; and
WHEREAS, on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, voters of the City of Oshkosh approved an increase of the local sales and use tax by additional one-half of one percent (1/2%) pursuant to LB 357, codified as part of § 77-27,142 et seq. The tax became effective on October 1, 2016 and shall terminate on September 30, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the question of such sales and tax use tax over one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) shall be submitted upon the affirmative vote by at least seventy percent of all members of the governing body of the incorporated municipality; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 77-27,142(3)(a), no municipal sales and use tax shall be imposed at a rate greater than one and one-half percent or increased to a rate greater than one and one-half percent unless the municipality is a party to an interlocal agreement pursuant to the Interlocal Cooperation Act; and
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh has entered into an interlocal agreement with Garden County Schools #35-0001 for joint utilization of the Oshkosh Swimming Pool; and
WHEREAS, a portion of the one-half percent (1/2%) of the City’s sales and use tax may be used to pay the indebtedness of the bond that has been issued for the infrastructure project of the Oshkosh Municipal Swimming Pool pursuant to all applicable Nebraska statutes.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH, NEBRASKA, that:
The City of Oshkosh shall submit the question of continuation of its municipal sales and use tax on the ballot at the May 12th, 2026 special election in substantially the same form as the Sample Ballot marked as “Exhibit A” attached hereto and by this reference is hereby made a part of this Resolution.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 8th day of January, 2026.
Motioned by Piva, seconded by DeCock to approve Exhibit A Proposition NO. 1 Ballot Question to continue sales and use tax ½% for public infrastructure. Motion carried unanimously.
Motioned by Piva, seconded by DeCock to choose section 3 for the WCNDD 2026 Nuisance Program. Motion carried unanimously
Mayor Schwartz wanted clarification on how nuisances are declared and if council has any say on what WCNDD declares as nuisances regard to the abatement program which Bondegard and Roundtree explained procedures and council authority. .
Motion by Schwartz, seconded by Piva to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
__________________________________
Jeannie Schwartz Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
James Bondegard City Administrator/Clerk
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act of Nebraska, a current copy of the act is posted in the Council Chambers. Notice of this meeting was advertised in the Garden County News and posted at the Oshkosh Post Office, City Hall and Courthouse. The agenda for this meeting was kept current and available for inspection at City Hall.
Mayor Jeannie Schwartz called the meeting to order and read the Open Meetings Act, LV 898.
Present: Mayor Jeannie Schwartz, Council Members: Mike Piva, and Gary DeCock. Also attending: City Attorney Rory Roundtree, City Administrator James Bondegard, Deputy Clerk Kim Martin, Sheriff Randy Ross, Tom Martin, Deb Condra, and Tony Martinez.
Piva brought up discussion on health insurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield claim. Piva stated that he wanted to have a special meeting to discuss employee health insurance before approving claim for Blue Cross Blue Shield for January 2026 premiums for employee health insurance. After discussion with attorney and council Bondegard advised that he would put public notice for special meeting.
Motion by DeCock, seconded by Schwartz to approve the consent agenda: agenda, minutes, all claims except Blue Cross Blue Shield for Januarys employee health insurance premium payment, Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried unanimously.
SALARIES-19,325.16; AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL-1,908.72-RETIREMENT; BANK OF AMERICA-767.92- POSTAGE, SUPPLIES, AND SUBSCRIPTIONS; BLACK HILLS ENERGY 712.04- GAS; BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD 9,912.75-HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIM DENIED;BYTES 193.36-COMPUTER BACKUP; CENTURY LINK 88.56-PHONE SERVICE, DAVID MILLER-150.00 DEPOSIT RETURN, GARDEN COUNTY HEALTH SERVICE- 1,200.00-DEDUCTIBLE REIMBURSEMNT,
GARDEN COUNTY NEWS 141.35 PUBLISHING; GUARDIAN LIFE INSURANCE 90.13-LIFE INSURANCE; JERRY SMITH 700.00-ANIMAL CONTROL; MICHAEL TODD- 837.00 -CHAIN; MUNICIPLE SUPPLY-484.30-REPAIS; NE HEALTH LAB-32.00-WATER TESTING; NPPD 2779.55-ELECTRICITY; ONE CALL CONCEPTS 36.78 CALL-TO-DIG SERVICES; OSHKOSH ACE 83.24-PARTS AND SUPPLIES; OSHKOSH SUPERETTE 7.19-SUPPLIES; ROSE EQUIPMEN –179.41 -PARTS; ROUNDTREE LAW 803.80-ATTORNEY FEES; SCOTT SMITH 20.00-REIMBURSEMENT; TAYLOR WALTMAN 20.00-REIMBURSEMENT; VALLEY TIRE 425.72-FUEL AND PARTS; VIAERO 131.06-CELL PHONE SERVICE; WASTE CONNECTIONS 12,187.21-TRASH CONTRACT; WHEATBELT 1468.92-ELECTRICITY; NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF
REVENUE 875.51-SALES TAXES; NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE- 1209.08-INCOME TAX; IRS- 4954.42-FEDERAL TAX.
Update on Grants and Trusted Community Development formally Twin Cities Development: Bondegard gave updates on grants. He did let council know that we were not awarded the scrap tire grant but that we are still waiting to hear on others. TCD agreed to help campaign for LB 357 Ballot Initiative.
NEW BUSINESS:
Deputy Clerk Martin presented a support letter received from Mindy Kezar in support of Matthew Krajewski for the vacant city council position.
Motioned by Schwartz, seconded by DeCock to appoint Matthew Krajewski for vacant City Council position. Voting Aye: DeCock, Schwartz. Voting Nay: Piva. Motion failed to appoint vacant council position.
Deb Condra addressed the council with questions about what they are looking for in a candidate for council. Piva replied to the comment that he wants someone family oriented, someone who puts themselves out there, they ask questions, always show up and will be engaged, people who are more outspoken. Piva stated he has his nominees that he has served on other boards with that he would like on the council. Deb also asked where she could find the city ordinances, Bondegard directed her to the city page.
Sheriff Randy Ross presented the Sheriff’s report.
The Animal Control Report was reviewed.
Motion by Schwartz, seconded by DeCock to Suspend the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by title on three different days to be suspended and that Ordinance No.488 be considered on same day upon reading by number and placed on final passage. Motion carried unanimously.
CITY OF OSHKOSH
ORDINANCE NO. 488
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH, GARDEN COUNTY, NEBRASKA, TO CONTINUE THE ONE-HALF PERCENT (1/2%) SALES TAX AUTHORIZED BY LB840 FROM JULY 1, 2025 FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FROM OCTOBER 1, 2025 FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; AND TO PROVIDE WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE IN EFFECT.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH, NEBRASKA:
SECTION 1.
That an election was held with the City of Oshkosh on Tuesday, November 4, 2024, to consider the following questions:
Proposition1: Shall the City of Oshkosh, Nebraska, continue a sales and use tax currently imposed, by imposing a sales and use tax in the amount of one-half of one percent (1/2%) upon the same transactions within the City of Oshkosh on which the State of Nebraska is authorized to impose a tax, subject to the following terms and conditions:
- Economic Development. 100% of the net revenue received by the City of Oshkosh from this sales and use tax shall be used to fund the Oshkosh Economic Development Program as provided for in the Plan currently in effect and set out in Proposition No. 2.
- Termination of Tax. The City sales and use tax referred to in this Proposition shall automatically terminate at the end of ten (10) years from the date on which, by operation of state law, the tax becomes effective, unless the tax is extended by a vote of the electorate prior to the end of such period; and
Proposition 2: Shall the City of Oshkosh, Nebraska, continue an Economic Development Program currently in place, for an additional period of ten years from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2035, in order to utilize the revenue of an estimated $65,000 per year for the term of the tax to be appropriated from the sales and use tax set forth in Proposition No. 1?
SECTION 2.
That the election held Tuesday, November 4, 2024, result in the majority of the votes cast upon the question voting favorably on Propositions 1 and 2, sales and use tax and Economic Development Program.
SECTION 3.
That a certified copy of the election results showing approval and a statement that indicated that the issue had not been voted on and failed within the last 23 months is hereby attached and incorporated herein by reference into this Ordinance.
SECTION 4.
That the tax shall become effective and has been in effect since July 1, 2025 and shall terminate on June 30, 2035.
SECTION 5.
That the Economic Development Program shall become effective and has been in effect since October 1, 2025 and shall terminate on September 30, 2035.
SECTION 6.
That a certified copy of the Economic Development Plan of the City of Oshkosh is hereby attached and incorporated herein by reference into this Ordinance.
SECTION 7.
That all funds collected by this tax shall be used in accordance with the Economic Development Program and all applicable Nebraska statutes.
SECTION 8.
That a certified map of the City of Oshkosh clearly showing the boundaries of the City is hereby attached and incorporated herein by reference into this Ordinance.
SECTION 9.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication according to law.
Passed, approved and adopted on this 8th day of January, 2026.
Motioned by DeCock, seconded Schwartz to approve Ordinance NO.488. Motion carried unanimously.
Motioned by Piva, seconded by Schwartz to adopt Resolution 2026-01. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-01
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh, Nebraska currently imposes a municipal sales and use tax, pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. §18-2701 et. seq., of two percent (2%) as provided for by Nebraska law; and
WHEREAS, voters of the City of Oshkosh approved continued use of one-half percent (1/2%) of the current sales tax, on November 5, 2024 related to the Oshkosh Economic Development Program for a period of ten additional years from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2035; and
WHEREAS, on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, voters of the City of Oshkosh approved an increase of the local sales and use tax by additional one-half of one percent (1/2%) pursuant to LB 357, codified as part of § 77-27,142 et seq. The tax became effective on October 1, 2016 and shall terminate on September 30, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the question of such sales and tax use tax over one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) shall be submitted upon the affirmative vote by at least seventy percent of all members of the governing body of the incorporated municipality; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 77-27,142(3)(a), no municipal sales and use tax shall be imposed at a rate greater than one and one-half percent or increased to a rate greater than one and one-half percent unless the municipality is a party to an interlocal agreement pursuant to the Interlocal Cooperation Act; and
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh has entered into an interlocal agreement with Garden County Schools #35-0001 for joint utilization of the Oshkosh Swimming Pool; and
WHEREAS, a portion of the one-half percent (1/2%) of the City’s sales and use tax may be used to pay the indebtedness of the bond that has been issued for the infrastructure project of the Oshkosh Municipal Swimming Pool pursuant to all applicable Nebraska statutes.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH, NEBRASKA, that:
The City of Oshkosh shall submit the question of continuation of its municipal sales and use tax on the ballot at the May 12th, 2026 special election in substantially the same form as the Sample Ballot marked as “Exhibit A” attached hereto and by this reference is hereby made a part of this Resolution.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 8th day of January, 2026.
Motioned by Piva, seconded by DeCock to approve Exhibit A Proposition NO. 1 Ballot Question to continue sales and use tax ½% for public infrastructure. Motion carried unanimously.
Motioned by Piva, seconded by DeCock to choose section 3 for the WCNDD 2026 Nuisance Program. Motion carried unanimously
Mayor Schwartz wanted clarification on how nuisances are declared and if council has any say on what WCNDD declares as nuisances regard to the abatement program which Bondegard and Roundtree explained procedures and council authority. .
Motion by Schwartz, seconded by Piva to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
__________________________________
Jeannie Schwartz Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
James Bondegard City Administrator/Clerk