Budget workshop on Monday; festival moved to Kelley Park

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council will have a budget workshop at a special meeting Monday, 6:45 p.m., at the city council chambers at the Municipal Building.

City departments will present their budgets and capital outlay requests to the council. Council members may or may not identify their own budget priorities.

The first reading of the preliminary City of McCook 2021-22 budget is Monday, Aug. 16, at the regular city council meeting. Property tax valuations/receipts for taxing entities will be released by Red Willow County by Aug. 20. Governmental budgets are due to the State of Nebraska by Sept. 30.

City Manager Nate Schneider announced the budget workshop at the regular city council meeting Monday. Prior to the budget workshop, a Planning Commission is scheduled.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the council approved the request to have the Prairie Roots Festival at the lower shelter house at Kelley Park on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The festival was canceled last year due to COVID-19. Before that, the festival has been at Barnett Park for several years.

Councilman Jared Muehlenkamp, a member of the Prairie Roots Committee, told the council that there is an outdoor, amphitheater-like atmosphere at the lower shelter house area, which is one of the reasons why they moved the venue.

Kelley Park is also within walking distance for many in the community. Parking should not be a problem, City Manager Nate Schneider said, as many people can simply walk to the festival. There is also parking at the college and swimming pool.

In addition to live music, games and other activities are planned. The request the council approved Monday night included closing Kelley Park Road that extends from East Fifth Street to Kelley Park Drive from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and closing the walking trail that extends from East Fifth Street to Kelley Park Drive from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.