Auburn City Council Approves Sport Court Agreement, Parade Route and Update on Building Crash

The Auburn City Council approved several infrastructure and improvement items and reviewed the city’s annual audit during its April 13 meeting. All council members were present.
Consent agenda
Several items were approved as part of the consent agenda, including staff attendance at meetings and conferences, city financial reports and meeting minutes.
The council also approved special designated liquor licenses for Ruth Heywood at The White Spot on May 3, 10, 15, and 16. Additional licenses were approved for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce for outdoor concerts at Legion Park on May 22; June 5 and 19; July 3, 17, and 31; and Aug. 7 and 21.
City audit
Auditor Abby Dobson of FORVIS presented the city’s financial audit report, noting Auburn remains in a strong financial position. The city reported approximately $4 million in total fund balance, including about $3.1 million that is unassigned and available for future needs.
The audit resulted in a modified clean opinion and identified a deficiency related to segregation of duties, a common issue in smaller communities.
City Administrator Crystal Dunekacke said the city is working to address the issue through the implementation of a new accounting system, which will allow for better separation of financial responsibilities after a community member asked what actions were being taken to address the finding.
City projects
In project-related business, the council approved a $10,667 change order for the storm sewer project at Highway 75 and J Street after a conflict was identified between a storm sewer line and an existing water main. A payment application for the project was also approved, with only minor items remaining on the final punch list.
The council also approved an engineering agreement with JEO, not to exceed $64,000, for a planned sports court renovation project. The project includes converting existing tennis courts into pickleball courts while maintaining existing basketball and tennis facilities.
Officials said the work is being scheduled to align with grant timelines and seasonal construction opportunities and will likely begin after the pool season ends. If testing determines the concrete base must be replaced, that cost would be covered by the city.
A proposed downtown holiday lighting project was discussed but tabled to allow for additional details on costs, installation and long-term maintenance. The proposal would install C9 lighting along rooftops in the downtown area near the intersection of Highways 136 and 75.
Council members approved a downtown revitalization grant of $18,522 — 75% of the total project cost — to assist with exterior repairs at 901 Central Ave. The remaining cost will be covered by the building owners, Sunshine and Ryan Taylor.
Additional approvals included an interlocal agreement with the Auburn Rescue Squad to formalize responsibilities and ensure insurance coverage for a new ambulance, as well as a temporary closure of U.S. Highway 136 for the annual county fair parade.
The parade is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 10, and will run from the courthouse square along Courthouse Avenue to K Street, from 15th to Ninth streets, and along Highway 136 from L to J streets.
City Attorney Angelo Ligouri recommended the council finalize the transfer of a city-owned property after the buyer, Luke Andrew, completed the required nuisance abatement.
Reports and update on 923 Central Ave
During reports, Leslie Clark, executive director of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 
shared updates on community events planned for the America250 Fourth of July weekend, including concerts, fireworks, and family activities.
City officials also provided an update on a building at 923 Central Avenue damaged December 30, 2025, reporting that an insurance settlement has been received and reconstruction planning is underway. The city is awaiting further communication from insurance companies and guidance from the Nebraska State Historical Society.
Current engineering plans call for demolishing the heavily damaged rear portion of the structure and repairing the front building, which houses Village Designs and the historic opera house on the second level.
The meeting adjourned following reports and discussion. The next meeting is scheduled for May 11 at 7 p.m. at Auburn City Hall.