Lead line work may span decades

McCOOK, Neb. - A looming federal mandate to identify and replace lead water service lines could require years of work in McCook, as the McCook City Council met in regular session Monday evening at City Council Chambers to review funding options that could help offset costs and extend into the 2040s.

Steve McNulty of the State of Nebraska’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program presented information via video call regarding potential funding options available through the program for the replacement of lead service lines.

In his presentation, McNulty praised Chris Miller of Miller and Associates for an accurate presentation of the mandate and the associated loan program, saying that funding remained available, particularly for communities with significant lead service line concerns tied to public health. He explained that funding was authorized through September 30, 2034, and suggested additional funding rounds were likely in the future.

He said the program operated as a loan with significant assistance, including 60 percent forgiveness, a possible 10 percent grant for inventory work and the remaining balance financed at zero percent interest for up to 40 years.

McNulty explained the funding was tied to federal lead and copper rules taking effect from 2027 to 2037, requiring communities to identify and replace lead and certain galvanized service lines. Cities would also need to document multiple attempts to access private properties.

He added that communities taking on larger loans could later qualify for additional zero-interest funding as funds revolved back into the program. He said the program was designed to maximize financial support for cities replacing infrastructure they do not own, and then opened the floor for questions.

Council member Jerry Calvin then asked, “What are our options if a property owner flatly refuses access to their property?”

McNulty said that if a property owner refuses access, that line is removed from the city’s required replacement pool — cities cannot force entry onto private property. However, if the property is sold within that 10-year window, the city must restart the process with the new owner and make four new access attempts. What happens after 2037 is currently unclear, with guidance expected around 2035.

For abandoned or unresponsive properties, the same rule would apply — once the city has made and documented four bona fide contact attempts with no response, its obligation under LCRI is fulfilled until ownership changes.

On documentation, McNulty strongly recommended using certified mail as one of the two required contact methods, because it provides an official postal record.

Councilman Gene Weedin then asked, “If this council wanted to take advantage of this loan, what do we have to do?”

McNulty said communities would apply for funding, finalize a loan agreement, and choose whether contractors or city crews would complete the work. Contractors would need to meet federal requirements, though materials were readily available. He noted a common issue involved replacing electrical grounding in older homes, sometimes addressed with waiver-eligible materials. Overall, he said the process was manageable and already underway in other communities.

He added that additional federal funding was likely, as the effort could extend into the 2040s, and urged communities to begin work rather than wait. McCook, he said, faced a larger task than small towns and must identify all unknown lines. He encouraged early progress ahead of 2027 enforcement, warning that performance benchmarks could trigger violations, though good-faith efforts might qualify for waivers once accurate data was established.

Mayor Taylor then thanked McNulty for his ideas, saying, “We really appreciate your time tonight.” No council action was taken.

The council also briefly considered a proclamation designating April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of McCook. Director Kaye T. Bieck of the Southwest Nebraska Family Resource Center briefly addressed the council about local support resources and awareness activities, including an April 10 “Wear Blue Day.” Bieck emphasized education and visibility through community partnerships and handed out promotional items before the council approved the proclamation.

A similar proclamation designating March 15-21 as “Public Transit Week” was presented by Senior Center Director Beth Siegfried, who addressed the council, characterizing 2025 as the “best year we have had for ridership,” having provided 6,230 rides during the year, averaging 40 rides per day. Siegfried praised staff and briefly discussed the limitations of the newest public transit vehicle for wheelchair access. The proclamation passed on a unanimous vote.

Following proclamations, the council opened a public hearing to consider a request from Cunningham Rentals, LLC for a special exception to allow a bed and breakfast/vacation rental in a Business Commercial District at the property located at 204 West 7th Street.

City Manager Nate Schneider characterized the request as unique because it was a residential structure in a commercial district, yet the planning commission believed that it met exception requirements and recommended approval. After adjournment of the hearing, the council reconvened and passed the exception on a 5-0 vote.

The council also considered the consent agenda, where two items were pulled for further consideration. Those included the contract for North Pointe Phase III paving and utilities to Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad, Nebraska in the amount of $645,894 for the base bid plus a $19,520 option and the approval of the City of McCook to join in a National Purchasing Cooperative, also known as Buyboard, purchasing program.

After approving the remaining items, two housekeeping formalities and a change order associated with the sports complex, MEDC Economic Development Director Charlie McPerson and Director of Housing Development, Amanda Engell, addressed the council regarding the contract being awarded to Paulsen.

Engell said the project marked the next phase of residential infrastructure development north of the fairgrounds and would provide complete access to all remaining lots. Earlier improvements to S Street and part of West Ninth Street in 2024 had been phased with an expected completion closer to 2027, but increased home construction along S Street allowed the city to move ahead of schedule. The work would provide access to six lots on the south side of T Street, four on the north side, and a drainage outlot, with an alternate option to connect water lines between S and T Streets to eliminate dead ends and avoid issues for the water department.

The council then voted and approved the measure on a 5-0 vote.

The resolution approving the City of McCook to join the National Purchasing Cooperative, also known as Buyboard, purchasing program was approved after a brief explanation of the program by City Manager Nate Schneider and an assurance that there was no up-front fee required to join the program. The measure also passed on a 5-0 vote.

Last, Schneider offered an update on construction at the Youth Sports Complex project, thanked the Masonic Temple for a gift of $100,000 for the sports complex project and thanked all who attended the “rolling out the turf” gathering at the complex on Thursday, March 11.

No council comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.