Hastings City Council rejects proposal to abolish Utility Advisory Board

HASTINGS, Neb. - The Hastings City Council rejected a proposal Monday to dismantle a key advisory board.

The Council debated a resolution to abolish the City's utility advisory board that oversees the City's construction and repair of its systems of waterworks, light, power and gas. Council member Marc Rowan brought the resolution to the board in an attempt to bring matters related to utilities front and center.

"It's not that we don't like them," Rowan said. "It's not that we don't want them, God bless them. We'd like to be able to have the discussion here amongst us."

Several residents and members of the utility board pleaded to the council to keep the board intact to continue to provide expertise and resources regarding the city's utilities.

Mayor Jay Beckby encouraged the council to vote down the resolution and work with the board to address concerns over oversight, accountability, and transparency.

The resolution failed five to three and the council agreed to discuss the board's role at an upcoming work session.