Peru City Council Tackles Employee Handbook, Ordinances, and Water Billing Issues

The Peru City Council met March 17 with Mayor Katie Novak presiding, as council members Rachel Brown, Teresa Westfall, Brent Brown, and Josh Whisler were present for a session that spanned historical presentations, ordinance debates, and a water issue.
Historical Artifacts Highlight Local Heritage
The meeting opened with a presentation from Dennis Meyers, who shared artifacts dating back to 1860, the year Samuel Daily claimed the land that would become Peru and its college. Meyers’ discoveries were highlighted in the March 5 edition of the Nemaha Valley Observer.
Consent Agenda and Donations
Council approved payment of claims after questions about overtime from Westfall. A special designated liquor license was granted for the BBQ Contest during Old Man River Days on June 6. Street closures for the event, and for Trunk or Treat in October, were also approved.
Additionally, the council accepted a donation from David and Susan Pease for the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
Land Lease Bids Approved
Bids for a pasture parcel east of Neal Park, put out for sealed bid in February, were reviewed. After discussing property conditions, fencing removal, and tax responsibilities, the council accepted the highest bid, and the lease was granted to Frank and Renee Critser.
New Business Items
A homeowner’s flood claim was approved after city employees could not properly deactivate a water meter. City Maintenance Manager Donald Roberts said employees were unable to locate the curb stop and are now updating training and mapping to prevent future incidents.
Council also approved a building permit for a new garage at 720 Washington, as the city currently lacks a building inspector.
A $28,994 bid from Arban Excavation for the 5th Street sewer line repair was approved, the only bid submitted. The council authorized an additional $1,500 for the purchase of an in-grade slide.
The council also approved a three-year contract with HBE Auditing Services, following the departure of the previous auditor. Fees range from $34,390 to $36,330 annually. City Clerk and Treasurer Dennis Kirkpatrick confirmed references for HBE were glowing.
Ordinances and Employee Handbook
Council President Teresa Westfall proposed repealing Ordinance 2024-05, which combined the deputy clerk and grant coordinator positions, and adjusting compensation under Ordinance 2026-04. Westfall said, “this decoupling of the position would not officially eliminate it, but Ordinance 2026-05 doesn’t account for wages for the grant coordinator. I’ve heard from the public that they don’t want the position in the city anymore and would prefer we outsource those duties to Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD). It’s going to save money, and then we can use that money for grant matches and funding other projects.”
Mayor Novak questioned the timing of the ordinance changes, expressing concern over rushing items onto the agenda, and stated she opposed the changes. 
Ordinances 2026-03 and 2026-04 passed their first of three readings with Westfall, Brent Brown, and Josh Whisler voting yea and Rachel Brown dissenting.
Council also reviewed Resolution 2026-05, updating the employee handbook with recommendations from past employees and the Nebraska League of Municipalities. Changes addressed PTO, sick leave, maternity and family leave, part-time accruals, and bereavement. Brown requested tabling the resolution for further review, but Westfall moved forward. Brown remained the lone dissenting vote, citing a lack of communication from Westfall.
Water Billing Dispute
Council addressed a billing issue affecting Peru State College for water and sewer services, after their finance committee review revealed the college had been under billed. City Attorney Morgan Homolka said the city could pursue repayment going back four years.
After discussion in executive session, the council announced they plan to work with the college and negotiate an installment repayment plan covering March 2022 through March 2025.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, at 6 p.m. at Peru City Hall.