Kimball city officials make economic plans for town

KIMBALL -- In a joint meeting a few weeks ago, the city and county officials discussed two important items of business regarding plans for Kimball. 

The first major discussion in the June 4 meeting was about the economic development of the city and county of Kimball. 

Mayor John Morrison said they are trying to work on economic development ever since the special election when the citizens turned down the renewal of the LB840, which is a tax-funded economic development program.

“We’ve been figuring out what we want to do and how we want to do it,” Morrison said.  

Kimball City Council and County Commissioners approved the assembly of a committee that will create an economic plan. If the county and city approve the plan, they will assemble an interlocal economic development department that will be separate from the city and the county but will be supported by the two entities. 

Morrison said various communities are doing the same interlocal between their cities and counties, so it’s something Kimball wants to try. 

“We need economic development,” Morrison said. “There are a lot of things going on, so it’s pretty important.” 

The economic developer would oversee everything economical in the city including talking with businesses, being involved with programs, seeking out grants for various projects, figuring out how to increase the city’s income, while also promoting the town and bringing in new businesses to continue growth. 

City officials have also recently discussed purchasing The Windbreak, and in the June 4 meeting, a committee was assigned to determine if the purchase would be beneficial or detrimental for Kimball. 

Morrison said having a country club would be an asset to the golf course down the line. 

Buying the property would come with an immediate income from the golf cart rental building, Morrison said. The city will also make an income if they find someone to lease the restaurant. 

Morrison said the appeal of purchasing The Windbreak is not for the restaurant, it is to enhance the golf course. 

“The golf course brings a lot of people from out of town and having a place for them to go eat after they play golf – even if it’s only seasonal – is an advantage,” Morrison said. “The more people we get out there playing on the golf course, the better it is for Kimball, and the people we get into town will hopefully do more shopping.” 

The committee will do their research and submit a recommendation to the county and the city, who will then vote to approve or deny the proposals.