Public Works reminders for Christmas, and New Year's:

• The Garbage Company - Waste Collections the city's franchise hauler, is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day - weekly collections will run one day behind AFTER the holiday during those weeks.
  • Thanksgiving Day: garbage and recycling collection will run one day behind after Thursday that week;
  • Christmas Day, New Year's Day: garbage and recycling collection will run one day behind after Thursday those weeks.
• Christmas Tree Disposal: The Department of Public Works provides a site for disposal of real Christmas trees; please remove all decorations/lights. The location is open Dec. 26 through mid-January on South Main Ave. (south of 3rd Street) on the east side of the road; please watch for the sign.
• Remember to recycle Christmas cardboard in curbside recycling. Clean cardboard is accepted in the city’s residential, curbside recycling program. Please break down cardboard boxes and shipping boxes. Other accepted recyclables include aluminum/tin, paper, and plastics 1-7. Recycling collection will run one day behind the week of Christmas and New Year's.)

New in 2026: Recycling collection changes to every other Thursday. The first collection day will be Jan. 8.

• Waste Collections crews switched out old recycling totes for new, 96-gallon blue totes with green lids. If residents do not have a new tote or the old tote was not picked up, please call Public Works, 402-826-4312, or Waste Connections, 402-643-2054.

Find more seasonal information in the Winter Weather Guide. Contact the Public Works Utility Office with questions, 402.826.4312.

The Crete City Council approved changes to garbage and recycling collections in November with the city's franchise hauler, Waste Connections of Nebraska.

Residential recycling will remain on Thursdays and change to every other week starting in 2026. The first collection day of the new year will be on Jan. 8.

A Waste Connections crew already began replacing residential recycling totes this fall with new 96-gallon blue totes with green lids. If residents have not received their new tote or their old tote was not picked up, please call the Public Works Office at City Hall, 402-826-4312, or Waste Connections directly, 402-643-2054. Waste Connections will also be sending out a reminder post card with collection details and a 2026 recycling schedule.

Crete Residential Recycling schedule 2026 - Waste Collections (pdf)

Crete is a growing and diverse 'community in motion' with over 7,000 residents who call it home. We embrace our pioneering heritage and present-day diversity and continue to thrive with a strong economy, successful school system, and safe parks and neighborhoods.

The City of Crete has nearly 70 full time employees as well as seasonal (summer) opportunities. No matter what role you have with us, you are sure to experience growth, professional development, and career achievements.

(Want to learn more about Crete? Check out City Government, Parks & Recreation, Departments, brand new Library, Business & Industry, and other community links.)

The City of Crete is taking applications for the position of Administrative Assistant for the Crete Police Department. Part-time hourly position subject to on-call status. General functions: Perform clerical duties. Effectively and accurately respond to Police Department patrons in person or on the telephone. Accurately calculate fines/fees and safeguard payments made to the City. Accurately enter information and maintain pertinent records. Deliver Department mail. Report to the Support Lieutenant. Hourly range: $18.66 - $26.57. See full job description for more information.

Minimum qualifications include: 

• must be at least 21 years of age;
• must speak, read and write fluently in the English language;
• must possess and maintain valid Nebraska driver’s license;
• must have high school diploma or GED;
• must legally authorized to work in the United States. 

Necessary Special Requirements: 

• reside within 30 minutes of the City of Crete;
• must maintain a functioning phone.

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled and may be obtained from the link below or by contacting the Human Resources Coordinator 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 and job description, type responses, print as PDF and email to jobs@crete.ne.gov
• Print, write responses, scan, and email to jobs@crete.ne.gov
• Fax to 402-826-6412
• Mail to the attention of Human Resources, City of Crete, at PO Box 86, Crete, NE 68333-0086
• Drop off at Crete City Hall - 243 East 13th Street

View/download the job description and employment application:

• Job description 
• Application for employment 

For additional inquiries, please contact:

Jody Fiehtner, Human Resources Coordinator
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.4313 Fax: 402.826.6412
jobs@crete.ne.gov

Beginner Tech Class: Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Crete Carrier Community Room at Crete Public Library, 1515 Forest Ave. 

No experience needed, just show up and start learning:

• Search and find jobs near you
• Search and find resources near you
• Use your phone, apps, & learn to scan QR codes
• Create an email account, send emails & attach photos

Canva for Small Business: Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Crete Carrier Community Room at Crete Public Library, 1515 Forest Ave. 

Learn how to create eye catching designs for flyers, social media, resumes, and more. Perfect for beginners. Available in English and Spanish.

• Getting started with Canva
• Practical Projects
• Marketing Skills
• Sharing and Printing

City of Crete - Nebraska  |  Marilyn Schacht, Community Assistance Director

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street, Crete NE 68333-0086  |  Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phone: 402.826.6405  |  Fax: 402.826.6412  |  marilyn.schacht@crete.ne.gov

The Historic Preservation Commission is a board established by the Crete City Council in September 2022 with passage of Ordinance 2154 - Historic Preservation Act. The commission’s duties are, in part: to adopt criteria and procedures for the survey, evaluation, and designation of local landmarks and landmark districts that are consistent with the city’s Historic Preservation Act and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Identification and Registration; to prepare and process nominations of properties potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and comment on properties nominated; to advocate for the benefits of historic preservation and rehabilitation and the value in protecting and enhancing properties that have historical or cultural value; to advise city officials regarding the preservation of properties having historical or cultural value; to participate in all building and zoning processes that affect proposed or designated landmarks or landmark districts. 

• 5 members
  • majority of members will be professionals in the fields of archeology, historic archeology, architectural history, architecture, or history.
• Appointed to 3-year terms
  • Initially, two members of the Commission shall be appointed for three-year terms, two members shall be appointed for two-year terms, and one member shall be appointed for a one-year term. Members may serve for more than one term.
• meetings held as needed

Historic Preservation Public Meetings:

The first of several public information meeting was held on Oct. 26 in the Crete Carrier Community Room at Crete Public Library to provide details from the city's Historic Preservation Commission on upcoming opportunities for historic districts and properties. There will be additional opportunities to share information on new preservation programming. Click the galleries for videos of the Oct. 26 meeting - parts 1 and 2.

Twelve boards and commissions are comprised of city residents 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 contact information on individual board members, please contact the City Clerk.

A City of Crete permit is needed to move snow in city right-of-way. Current permits are issued to applicants for the winter season, 2025-2026.

Find this permit online in the Forms and Documents section or at the City Hall Utility Office; completed forms should be returned to the Utility Office, with a ground floor entrance on the south side of City Hall.

Residents and commercial operators should also note it is against city code to push snow off private property onto city right-of-way. Citations can be issued.

Find more information in the Winter Weather Guide. Contact the Public Works Utility Office with questions, 402.826.4312.

Check out these upcoming events at Crete Public Library. Specific age groups or pre-registration details may be noted. Recurring event schedules may be altered due to holidays.) Contact library staff for more information. (Click the gallery for more images and view download the latest library calendar pdf.)

Upcoming Programs:

• Game Night, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5:30-9 p.m. Celebrate New Year's Eve with games at the library. All ages welcome.
• Adult Craft Night - Cross Stitch, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 5:30 p.m. Register with the library to save your spot.
• Tech Club, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2-4 p.m. First meeting of the library's new Tech Club, where staff can help with questions on iPhones, Android phones, iPads, tablets, and Kindles.
• Winter Craft Weekend, Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us at the library for a day of crafting!
• Meal Prep 101, Monday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. Carly, UNL's Food Extension Educator, will present some tips and tricks for meal prepping!

Recurring events:

• Brush and Bloom, Mondays through April, 10-11 a.m. Open to all moms, no matter what stage of the journey you're in for a relaxing hour of art, conversation, and connection with other moms—no art skills (or clean shirts) required. Little ones are always welcome, feel free to bring your baby, toddler, or stroller crew along.
• Maker Monday, first Monday of the month (Sept. - April) 4-5 p.m. No registration required. Ages: 5–11 years old. Drop in and explore hands-on science, technology, engineering, and art activities at your own pace! We’ll have plenty of supplies and a variety of exciting activities for kids to choose from—experiment, build, create, and discover.
• Tea and Threads, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Laid-back atmosphere, friendly conversation, and creative inspiration for those who crochet, from seasoned pros to beginners.
• Teen Nights, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. For teens ages 12-17. Each week, teens can drop in for a variety of fun activities—movies, crafts, science nights, game nights, and more! Come hang out, try something new, and connect with friends. No registration or sign-up required. 
• All Ages Chess Club, Wednesdays at 4 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome—whether you’re a beginner just learning the moves or an experienced player looking for a good match. Two of our chess-loving librarians will be there to teach, play, and share the fun.
• Adult Craft Night, one Wednesday a month at 5:30 p.m. Join us for our popular Adult Craft Nights! Each month features a new craft to enjoy. Check our Facebook page or stop by the library to see what this month’s project is. Registration is required, and space is limited—be sure to sign up early!
• Story Times start in September for the school year (schedule may be adjusted for holidays): Toddlers (ages 0-2) on Wednesdays and Preschool (ages 3-5) on Thursdays; both at 10 a.m.

Check out the library's book clubs:

• Thursday night Murder Club, Flights of Fantasy, Timeless Tales, Whispered Pages (silent book club)

Current library hours:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• (Monday-Friday - Drive-thru window opens 8:30 a.m.)
• Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Crete Public Library
1515 Forest Ave.
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.3809
crete.library@crete.ne.gov

Individuals and media outlets are encouraged to contact the City Administrator for additional details or clarification on the following material. Regular meetings of the Crete City Council are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall; Council Standing Committees may meet prior. View a list of City Officials and current council and committee meeting agendas.

The next Crete City Council regular meeting will be on Tuesday, Dec. 16

Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, Dec. 2

View this Meeting Agenda and attachments.

Council member Kyle Frans was absent.

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: City Council Nov. 18, Public Works Committee Nov. 18 Finance Committee Nov. 18, Public Safety Committee Nov. 18, Legislative/Community Development Committee Nov. 18
• Treasurer’s Report
• Payment of claims against the City 

The Council voted 5-0 to table the following item to the next meeting: Resolution No. 2025-28 Establishing a time and place for the purchase of Real Property North of Crete, Approximately one-half mile north of Highway 33 on Boswell Ave, Crete, Nebraska. 

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the proposed zoning change Request PID 760141282 C-2 to C-1. City Administrator Tom Ourada explained this is an area that Ron Sack currently owns between Main and Pine Avenues, 9th to 10th streets. There is a potential sale and construction of a pickleball facility which could not be on the property in its current zone; it meets statutory requirements to change zoning from C-2 to C-1. The Planning Commission recommended this change.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the proposed zoning change Request PID 760141282 C-2 to C-1.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Maintenance Agreement and Certificate of Compliance. This is an annual agreement for state right-of-way through city limits.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve approving the amendments to the Waste Connections Agreement. City Attorney Alison Janecek Borer explained this changed the effective date to January 1, 2026. 

The Council voted 5-0 to approve appointing JEO as the 2026 City Engineer.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Crete Carrier Room Grant Application for a Chamber of Commerce event on Tax Preparer Fraud. Ashley Newmyer said the committee discussed this and agreed it was an applicable use of the grant.

The Council voted 5-0 to authorize applying for the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF). Ourada said this is for City Park improvements and requires a 50% match.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the CavMac Engagement Letter and data request. Ourada explained this firm was recommended by Cline Williams attorneys to calculate retirement benefits for retired police officers.

Petition - Communication - Citizen Concern:

Officer Reports:

Jessica Wilkinson, Library Director:

            library was closed for two days for staff to attended maker space training at Innovation Campus in Lincoln;

            upcoming events: new tech club will meet once a month, new meal prep class, New Year’s Eve game night and karaoke;

            Library will sponsor a free Showing of “Elf” at the Isis Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.

            HVAC issue in the building - temp in library was 50 degrees; events were canceled on Monday;

Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director: 

            adjusted schedules for parks staff due to snow clearing activities;

            reviewing programming schedules and facilities agreements to reevaluate for the next year; getting feedback from partners; 

            met with high school’s Grassroots Leadership students;

Trenton Griffin, Building Inspector:

            sent out 62 letters for clearing sidewalks, focused on Main Ave, and near the Elementary;

            closing out older permits, continuing with current housing permits;

            library heating issue - two months ago he and Mike Kalkwarf were looking at boiler issues; control access is through digital devices and they weren’t working properly; we have 2 of 3 boilers working and will still need to look at 3rd with a technician;

Jody Fiehtner, Human Resources Coordinator introduced Sheila Balbuena, part-time Administrative Assistant in the Community Assistance Office; she graduated from Crete High School and from Florida International University then came back to Crete. Her schedule is Monday, Wednesday, Friday;

Tom Ourada, City Administrator:

            Snow removal went generally well, there were some hiccups with downtown business district contractor and we’re working through those;

Mayor Dave Bauer:

            received two calls from residents who had calls from the library’s phone number but it was scammers calling about medicare. Those calls are not coming from the city.

            Apace Choir is having their Christmas concert in the community room, it’s neat to see that group up there enjoying it every year;

            Adam Wackel is hosting Governor Pillen with a meal on Tuesday, 12:30 to 4:00

Meeting adjourned.

City of Crete - Nebraska  |  Marilyn Schacht, Community Assistance Director

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street, Crete NE 68333-0086  |  Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phone: 402.826.6405  |  Fax: 402.826.6412  |  marilyn.schacht@crete.ne.gov

The Community Assistance Office closes at 5 p.m. Applications will not be started after 4:15 p.m., to allow time to be completed. To schedule an appointment please call the office or email Marilyn Schacht. 

La oficina de Asistencia Comunitaria cierra a las 5 p.m. Las solicitudes no se iniciarán después de las 4:15 p.m. Para tener suficiente tiempo para completarias. Para programar una cita por favor llame la oficina o envíe un correo electrónico Marilyn Schacht.

• Find local agencies and programs
• Learn more in the Living in Crete section

Community Resources | Rescursos Comunitarios:

PDF documents contain links to organizations online, contact information, and basic services provided. 

View/Download complete Community Resources document (pdfs of above information): English  |   Espańol

The Crete Community Assistance Director is here to help you with a variety of services free of charge. The services include, but are not limited to the following:

• Connecting you with various health, education, housing, and immigration service providers
• Connecting low-income residents with various clothing, food, medical and childcare assistance programs
• Directing you to various community events and programs and helping you get involved in the community
• Helping you understand your rights and responsibilities as a resident of Crete
• Filling out job applications
• Resume help
• Listening and answering your questions, comments, concerns, and recommendations about the city and voicing them to other city officials
• Answering questions about city ordinances and building codes
• Voter registration
• Applications for Medicaid, SNAP, and other public assistance benefits
• Immigrant safety planning
• And much more

La Directora de Asistencia Comunitaria de Crete le puede ayudar con una variedad de servicios gratuitos incluyendo, pero no limitado a lo siguiente:

• Conectándolo/a con varios proveedores de servicios médicos, educativos y migratorios
• Conectando a personas de bajos recursos con programas de asistencia de ropa, comida, cuidado de niños y ayuda médica
• Dirigiéndolo/a a eventos y programas comunitarios e información sobre cómo involucrarse en la comunidad
• Ayudándolo/a a conocer sus derechos y responsabilidades como residente de Crete
• Ayuda llenando solicitudes de trabajo, etc.
• Ayuda creando un currículum
• Escuchando y respondiendo a preguntas, comentarios, dudas y recomendaciones sobre la ciudad y haciéndoselas conocer a otros oficiales de la ciudad 
• Respondiendo a preguntas sobre ordenanzas de la ciudad y códigos de construcción
• Registración para votar
• Solicitudes de Medicaid, SNAP y otros beneficios públicos
• Planificación de seguridad para inmigrantes
• Y mucho más

Request information or refer someone (solicitar información o referir a otra persona):

* Required Information: Name and Phone (*información requerida: nombre y teléfono)

The City of Crete Department of Public Works, in partnership with its wholesale electric power supplier, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, is continuing to provide five energy efficiency programs to assist in lowering energy costs for local utility customers through energy efficiency improvements.

All five programs offer cash incentives to make energy efficient upgrades in the areas of insulation, cooling systems, home thermostats, high efficiency heat pump, and commercial lighting. Here is a rundown of the four programs:

• High Efficiency Heat Pump Program: The program provides cash incentives from $400 to $3,000 to residential homeowners who are installing a new heat pump system to their residential single-family dwelling.
• 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 interior lighting upgrades and replacements.

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 Utility Office at City Hall, 402.826.4312, or go online to download program guidelines and application forms.

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
(Utility Office ground floor main entrance on south side)
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.4312