The Crete Civil Service Commission is taking applications for the position of entry-level police officer. Hourly salary: $20.50 to $27.73 - depending on qualifications and years of service; with benefits. Minimum job requirements include, but are not limited to: Possess a high school diploma/GED, possess a valid driver’s license, meet entrance requirements of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, and be willing and able to work weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.

Applications are due no later than 5:00 PM on February 7, 2020 and may be obtained from the links below or by contacting the city's Human Resources Department at City Hall. The City of Crete is an equal opportunity employer. Applications should be completed and submitted in one of the following ways: 

• • Download the application packet, type responses, print as PDF and email to shelby.brown@crete.ne.gov
• • Print, write responses, scan, and email to shelby.brown@crete.ne.gov
• • Fax to 402-826-4334
• • Mail to the attention of Shelby Brown, City of Crete, at PO Box 86, Crete, NE 68333-0086
• • Drop off at Crete City Hall - 243 East 13th Street, Crete, NE 68333-0086

View/download the application packet which includes:

• Letter of instruction
• Application for employment
• Basic qualifications checklist
• Authorization for release of information
• Essential functions

Human Resources Department
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.4313 Fax: 402.826.4334
jobs@crete.ne.gov

(Updated on Jan. 17: The opening date for the library has been changed due to updated information.)

Sixteen months after an official groundbreaking, Crete Public Library staff will close the old library on East 13th Street and start the move into a new library building at 1515 Forest Ave.

The library will be closed during the two-week moving process before for an opening at the new facility on Thursday, Jan. 30. Tours will be given during the opening, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The last day for library services on East 13th will be Saturday, Jan. 11.

In a symbolic gesture to commemorate moving from the old library to the new facility, the community will participate in a Book Brigade at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13. Crete High School National Honor Society members, along with library patrons and community members will line the seven blocks separating the two buildings from East 13th Street to 15th and Forest Ave. Two books will be passed from hand to hand as the group continues together to the new library. The public is welcome to participate by lining the route on the south side of East 13th Street from Kingwood Ave. to Forest Ave., then north on Forest to 15th Street.

Crete’s new library and community room will occupy 20,000 square feet of space on the block which formerly housed the city’s first modern hospital from the early 1950s until 2003. It was demolished in early 2018.

The City Council accepted a bid of $5,559,000 from Sampson Construction in August of 2018 with a groundbreaking held just over a month later on Sept. 12. The building, designed by BVH Architecture, includes the new library with youth, adult and technology spaces, separate community room and catering kitchen, which doubles as a storm shelter, as well as a new park.

The total project is fully funded at $7.4 million: $4.2 million from sales taxes, $2 million from grants, almost $500,000 from individual donors, $250,000 from the Friends of the Crete Public Library and $150,000 from local corporations.

A sales tax increase of one-half percent was approved by Crete voters in 2016 to provide for the new library and adjoining community room/storm shelter; funds were also anticipated towards community safety initiatives in the form of two new police officers.

The old library at 305 East 13th Street was built in 1915 with a gift from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation; an addition was constructed in 1985. A current feasibility study deemed the structure to have accessibility issues for both people and technology, space limitations for growing programming needs, and maintenance concerns. The library and associated programs host nearly 10,000 visits annually by patrons who access print and digital resources and many programs are held off-site in larger venues.

The City Council has approved an agreement to demolish the old library building while future plans for the area remain under consideration.

Project timeline:

1949-1952 - Crete Municipal Hospital and additions completed

2003 - new Crete Area Medial Center completed on Betten Drive on the east edge of Crete

2003-2016 - Tabitha of Crete occupies old hospital for long term and assisted living facility

2016 - City of Crete voters pass sales tax increase to fund new library/community room/storm shelter facility, community safety needs following library feasibility study and research

2017 - Community input meetings held on library and community room/storm shelter design

2017 - December - Two new Crete Police officers hired using funds generated from sales tax increase to be used for community safety

2018 - January - demolition of old hospital building begins

2018 - March & June - input meetings held on proposed building layout and design

2018 - August - City Council accepts Sampson Construction bid for the new library

2018 - September - New library groundbreaking held

2019 - July - library and community room project is fully funded with additional grants and donations

2020 - January - old library scheduled to close for move to the new facility

City of Crete personnel are tasked with services in preparation for, during, and after winter weather events.

Non-emergency numbers

• Police Department (24 hours) - 402.826.4311
• Public Works Department - 402.826.4312
  • Calls after regular business hours will be directed to an answering service and relayed to on-call personnel

Sign up for emergency alerts

• Residents can receive emergency alerts for Crete and the surrounding area by subscribing to Blue Rivers Basin Community Alert System (Gage, Jefferson, and Saline Counties). Sign up here.

Electrical and street issues

• To report power outages, problems with electrical service, street issues (including fallen branches on streets) and other concerns, please call Public Works, 402.826.4312
• Snow is removed according to the city’s approved snow plan, which takes into account emergency snow routes, arterial streets, weather forecast, and current conditions.
• The Street Department uses a salt brine pretreatment on priority streets if conditions allow before a forecasted winter weather event. Rainfall during this process can wash away the brine or make it ineffective. Salting/sanding streets remains part of the department’s practice during winter weather.

Sidewalk snow removal

• Business occupants are responsible for snow removal on sidewalks in the business district within 5 hours after accumulation ends and by 8:30 a.m. if snow falls overnight.
• In residential areas, residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks within 24 hours after accumulation ends.
• City Code, Chapter 8, Article 2 

Emergency Snow Routes

• After a significant snow event, three or more inches of accumulation, the city may declare a Snow Emergency, during which time parking along marked Emergency Snow Routes is prohibited and vehicles in violation will be towed.
• The city has marked Emergency Snow Routes on arterial streets including: Highway 33/103, Hawthorne, Boswell, Iris, and Main Avenues;  East 1st, East 4th, East 5th, East 9th, East 14th, East 15th, and East 29th Streets; others include Betten Rd., the entire downtown area and streets around Crete Elementary school. City Code, Chapter 5, Article 2
• View map above or view larger map

Parking tickets and towing:

• 24-hour Parking & Downtown Parking:
  • Vehicles cannot remain parked on streets, public roads or public property for more than 24 hours at a time.
  • Parking is prohibited in the downtown area between 2-4 a.m.; watch for posted signs.
  • Vehicles parked in violation of these ordinances make it difficult to effectively clean and clear city streets and are subject to tickets and towing. (City Code, Chapter 5, Article 4)
• Any vehicle cited three times within 30 days may be towed on the issuance of the third ticket.
• Parking tickets and fees are paid at the Crete Police Station, 1945 Forest Ave., during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 -11 a.m. and 12 -5 p.m.) If a vehicle was towed during a snow emergency or for other parking violations it may be claimed from the towing company once the fees are paid at the police station.

Garbage and recycling collection

• If severe weather conditions warrant a stoppage or delay in garbage or recycling collection, the city will make efforts to notify customers through social media and the city website.

City of Crete
Departments of Public Works
Transfer Station/Landfill

Crete Transfer Station/Landfill - 478 County Road 2300 (1/2 mile north of Highway 33 on Boswell Ave.)
Hours: Tuesdays, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Public Works: 402.826.4312
The Garbage Company: 1.800.322.4272
Public Works Directory

The Crete Transfer Station/Landfill is owned by the City of Crete and operated by The Garbage Company for disposal of larger loads of household trash and large items (for a fee) or free disposal of yard waste and branches. All state laws and local ordinances apply. 

Free disposal: branches and yard waste can be disposed of free of charge; appliances, hot water heaters, metal and iron also accepted at no cost. Items with freon must have it removed and tagged.

Fees established by The Garbage Company: larger loads of household trash and waste

• Miscellaneous items with fees based on size and weight include: carpet, mattresses and box springs, furniture, televisions, sinks, and toilets. 
• Other materials deemed hazardous (railroad ties, insulation) or construction-type materials may have additional fees. 
• Recyclable items are also accepted at the transfer station with flat rates for pickup and car loads: aluminum/tin, plastic, cardboard, paper.
• The Garbage Company reserves the right to refuse business.
• Basic fees per vehicle load may start at:  
  • car trunk - $10
  • small pickup - $15
  • large pickup - $25
  • trailer - $40

Not accepted: tires, farm truck loads, dump truck loads or semi loads.

Find more information on residential and commercial Garbage & Recycling Collection routes.

General questions and frequently searched items are provided here with appropriate links to answers on the City of Crete website. New to Crete? Find more useful information here...

City Clerk:

Q: Who are my city council representatives? Where do I vote for elections?

A: The City of Crete is divided into three wards for council representation and voting purposes. View map. Each ward has a polling place for voting. You can also contact the Saline County Election Commissioner at 402-821-2374 for absentee ballots.

Q: What do I have to do to sell products door to door?

A: The City of Crete requires a permit to sell products door to door in residential areas. You can apply for the permit at the City Clerk's office during regular business hours. You will need a Nebraska Department of Revenue Sales Tax Number and personal identification to apply for the permit. Click here for the City Code regarding this permit.

Q: Who do I contact about providing alcohol for a special event?

A: Any establishment that has a State of Nebraska Liquor License can apply to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for a Special Designated License to cater an event. Non-profit organizations are also able to apply to the Liquor Control Commission for a Special Designated License to serve alcohol at an event.

Q: Where do I register my vehicle and obtain a driver's license?

A: Vehicle titles and driver's license testing, and local court proceedings are all handled through the Saline County Courthouse in Wilber; or find more links here.

Q: Who do I contact about a Handicap Parking Permit?

A: Your Physician is able to make the application to the State of Nebraska for your permit online.

City services & programs:

Q: How do I get a Crete Public Library card?

A: Visit the library (305 East 13th Street) with the necessary information to apply for your card.

Q: How do I sign my child up for youth recreation programs online?

A: Crete Parks and Recreation utilizes RecDesk for program registration and information. 

Q: How do I order a veteran recognition brick for the monument in City Park?

A: Forms are available at the City Hall Utility Office or see the Parks and Recreation Department - City Park page, for a link to the order form.

Q: What are city requirements for licensing a pet?

A: The Crete Police Department is located at 1945 Forest Ave. and is the place to license your dog or cat. View animal licensing requirements.

Q: When is the garbage or recycling picked up on my street and what items can I recycle?

A: Garbage collection is on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday depending on your address; recycling collection is on Monday or Thursday depending on address. (View information, routes and accepted recyclable items.).

Q: Where can I take branches and other yard waste?

A: The City of Crete Transfer Station is 1/2 mile north of Highway 33 on Boswell Ave. with hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays. (view hours)

Q: What do I do if I have no electric service?

A: Check all breakers or fuses in the home, if the problem is not solved, call 402-826-4312. (view Public Works Directory)

Q: Does the City practice mosquito control?

A: Mosquito spraying is done by the Street Department towards dusk Mondays and Thursdays unless it is raining or wind exceeds 10 mph. Tuxedo Park is treated with spray on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings to avoid activities in the park. 

Building and Zoning, business development:

Q: Where do I find building permits and for what types of projects do I need a permit?

A: The Municipal Building Inspector handles all building permits and zoning regulation inquiries.

Q: How do I find out about economic development programs like LB 840 and Tax Increment Financing?

A: The Community and Economic Development Office at City Hall, 243 East 13th Street, handles these programs.

Q: I want to start a business in Crete, what do I need to do?

A: The City of Crete has a business registration policy through the City Clerk's office, see more information.  Contact should also be made with the Nebraska Department of Revenue at 402-471-2971 to apply for a Nebraska Sales Tax Number. You should also contact the City of Crete Building Inspector's Office at 402-826-4312 to be sure you comply with zoning regulations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Crete, in partnership with its wholesale electric power supplier, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, is offering four energy efficiency programs with the goal of saving local utility customers money on their electric bill through energy efficiency improvements.

Three of these programs offer cash incentives for homeowners to make energy efficient upgrades in the areas of insulation, cooling systems and home thermostats. An LED lighting program is also available for non-residential customers including businesses, churches, schools and municipal buildings. Here is a rundown of the four programs:

• Smart Thermostat Program - Provides a cash incentive of up to $100 paid directly to residential customers to help cover the cost of installing a qualifying smart thermostat. 
• Attic Insulation Program - Provides cash incentives of $0.15 / per square foot with a maximum incentive of $300 per existing residential dwelling for attic insulation. 
• Cooling System Tune-Up Program - Provides a $30 cash incentive to residential homeowners who have their cooling system tuned up by a HVAC contractor, regardless of what type or age of cooling system (air conditioner/air or water source heat pump).
• Commercial LED Lighting Program - Provides cash incentives paid directly to commercial customers to help cover the cost of lighting upgrades and replacements for existing facilities.

These programs are available to customers of the City of Crete through its wholesale power partnership with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. For more information on these programs, contact the Public Works Utilities Office at City Hall at 402.826.4312 or go to www.nmppenergy.org/mean to download program guidelines and application forms.

Every person or business engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession by maintaining a business location, in whole or in part, within the limits of the City Crete, Saline County, Nebraska, is required to register and pay an annual business registration fee for the privilege of doing business in the City. See City Code, Chapter 10, Article 3. Contact the City Clerk for more information. View/Download 2019 Business Registration Form

Door-to-door Sales

The City of Crete's City Code requires a permit to sell products door to door in residential areas. You can apply for the permit at the City Clerk's office during regular business hours or download and complete the application forms and return to City Hall. You will need a Nebraska Department of Revenue Sales Tax Number and personal identification to apply for the permit. 

Fireworks Sales

The retail sales of fireworks are allowed in the City of Crete from June 28 - July 4. You must possess a Nebraska State Sales Tax number and a permit to sell fireworks from the Nebraska State Fire Marshall. Apply for a permit to sell fireworks (within the corporate limits of the City of Crete) at the City Clerk's office during regular business hours or download and complete the application and information forms and return to City Hall.

Liquor License - Special Events

Any establishment that has a State of Nebraska Liquor License can apply to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for a Special Designated License to cater an event. Non-profit organizations are also able to apply to the Liquor Control Commission for a Special Designated License to serve alcohol at an event.

City of Crete  
Judi Meyer, City Clerk

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.4313
Fax: 402.826.4334
judi.meyer@crete.ne.gov

Eleven citizen boards and commissions are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council to advise certain City programs or departments. Select boards meet regularly, while others meet as needed. For board descriptions, members, and meeting times, click on the links below. For contact information on individual board members, please contact the City Clerk.

Airport Authority

Board of Adjustment

Board of Health

Cemetery Board

Civil Service Commission

Economic Development Advisory Board

Housing Authority

Library Advisory Board

Park and Recreation Board

Planning Commission

Tree Board

A public meeting on USDA housing opportunities was held on Tuesday, June 18  at City Hall in Crete to learn about Rural Development Housing Programs.

This meeting offered information to families interested in living in rural communities and owning the own home or existing homeowners that need assistance with home repairs, in addition to information for lenders, realtors, community officials, major employers, state and federal partners, home builders, and other housing partners. Presenters were from USDA Rural Development and Blue Valley Community Action.

USDA’s Rural Development programs include: 100 percent home financing and subsidized Direct Homeownership Loan Program for very low and low income applicants; 100 percent home financing Guaranteed Homeownership Loan Program for up to moderate income applicants; and 100 percent owner-occupied home repair loans and grants for very low income applicants.

Find information on these USDA Rural Development programs online.

For more information contact: 

• Rural Development Housing Specialist Krista Mettscher, 402.437.5518, krista.mettscher@usda.gov,  www.rd.usda.gov/ne;
• Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Outreach Program Manager, Elizabeth.fimbres@nifa.org, www.nifa.org;
• City of Crete, City Administrator Tom Ourada

Crete City Hall
241 East 13th Street

City officials are considering a renewal of services with the The Garbage Company, or pursuing other options for garbage and recycling collection in Crete.

The Garbage Company has been the city's contracted garbage hauler for about 15 years. No-sort, curbside recycling was added in 2008, with an additional tote provided for residential collection.

The projected timeline for this process is in the spring, when the current contract comes up for official renewal. View current garbage and recycling collection information in the Public Works section.