Chadron council approves equipment specs, construction payments and 3% raise for city manager

The City of Chadron council on its regular meeting approved multiple routine actions including specifications to seek bids for a new utility tractor for the airport, payment applications to a local contractor and a 3% salary increase for the city manager.

Council introduced and approved resolution 2026-8 to advertise specifications for a 2025-or-newer utility tractor with an equipment trading option for the Shadow Munis airport and to authorize notice to dealers. Scott Shary, Park, Cemetery and Airport Superintendent, told the council “it’s just time for the upgrade” and said the new tractor will help meet FAA-maintenance height requirements around runway equipment and reduce the need for two-person operations by improving safety and communications.

Council members noted the tractor specifications include an aircraft radio and that a loader attachment was not budgeted. The motion to introduce and approve the specifications passed on roll call.

Separately, the council approved two payment applications to Fuller Construction Company LLC. Payment application No. 2 for the Sixth and Maple repair project was approved for $39,734.70 with retainage of $2,317 held back until sodding can be completed when weather permits. The council also approved payment application No. 7 for construction of the downtown plaza ADA restrooms, $7,896.59; officials said final retainage of $13,425 is expected to be submitted at the next meeting.

On personnel and administrative items, the council approved resolution 2026-9 designating Pat O’Brien as the certification administrator for the volunteer fire and rescue department under the Volunteer Emergency Responders Incentive Act; O’Brien was noted to already be performing those duties but was not present at the meeting.

Council also approved a 3% total salary increase for the city manager. The motion, made by Shane and seconded by Clay, was described as a 1.5% merit increase plus a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment.

The meeting record shows the council approved the consent agenda and the other claims presented; one member abstained from the consent vote because they were not present at the previous meeting. The meeting adjourned after council members offered closing remarks and community announcements.

Next steps: staff will proceed with dealer notice for the tractor specifications, Fuller Construction is expected to submit a final retainage claim for the ADA restroom project at the next meeting, and the airport sodding work will be scheduled when weather allows.