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. 2

Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, Nov. 18

View this Meeting Agenda and attachments.

Council members Dan Papik and Ashley Newmyer were absent.

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: City Council Nov. 4, Public Works Committee Nov. 4, Legislative/Community Development Committee Nov. 4, Public Safety Committee Nov. 4
• Treasurer’s Report
• Payment of claims against the City 

The Council voted 4-0 to waive required readings and adopt Ordinance 2261 Reestablishing the .5% sales tax and economic development program. City Administrator Tom Ourada said this item does a number of things to implement and spend the sales tax designated in the economic development program. Council member Dale Strehle said this was discussed in committee and they appreciate the voters who approved this program renewal.

The Council voted 4-0 to waive required readings and adopt Ordinance 2262 amending 2255 Setting municipal water and sewer rates. Ourada said the council already passed these rates and this clarifies a date conflict for rates to take affect.

The Council voted 4-0 to authorize the Crete Police Department to apply for the Highway Safety Grant for child safety seats. Chief Gary Young explained this is a renewal of the same grant from last fiscal year; they had great success to help a lot of folks in the community obtain child safety seats and proper installation in the previous year.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve Special Event Permit SE25-10 for the Crete Cares Food Distribution on December 13th, 2025. Young said he has worked with Cretes Cares for this holiday distribution for the past couple of years at the Crete Public Schools bus barn between 9th and 10th streets on Linden Ave. This temporary street closure helps guide cars to the pickup point and keeps the line off city streets.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve Saline County Rural Fire Protection District Award Letter. Ourada said this is more than has been awarded in previous years and is shared equally across departments.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve the Crete 24PWI004 Payment Request 3. Ourada said this and the following request are by SENDD for state, grant-funded projects and have to be authorized by the council.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve the Crete 24DTR001 Payment Request 3.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,928.99.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve Waste Connections Agreement. City Attorney Allison Janecek Borer explained the changes the city wanted negotiated are in this document along with updated rates.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve amendments to the Master Fee Schedule. Ourada explained there were amendments to water and sewer rates and a correction to the library 3D printing rate.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve farm leases on City property. Ourada said the leases are on airport property owned by the city; there were two competitive bids for particular portions of ground.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve Authorization of deviation from City spec for sidewalk placement at 1044, 1100, 1110, and 1120 Jasmine Ave. Ourada explained this was discussed in the Public Works committee meeting held prior. Generally the topography of the subdivision in this area doesn’t lend itself to match city ordinance, which governs sidewalks and curb heights.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve JEO's recommendation for the street and alley paving CDBG Project No. 24-PWI-004. Ourada said favorable bids were almost $300,000 under the engineer’s estimates. The city does not have experience with this contractor, but they were vetted.

The Council voted 4-0 to approve a bid date of Thursday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. for the sale and decommission of A row hangars. Ourada said the A-row, t-type hangars have to be moved to make room for the two new box hangars already approved by the council through a grant with the state and FAA.

Petition - Communication - Resident Concern:

Officer Reports:

• Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director:
  • thank you to the generous people who support park and rec initiatives throughout the community; 16 members of Doane University fraternity Tau Sigma Zeta bagged leaves and raked gravel in City Park; they also handed out flyers for a community food drive organized in part through the Community Assistance Office;
  • a large street tree was removed from City Park on Nov. 12; grant funds helped with identifying this issue; have also been approved for additional grant funds toward trees/green spaces;
  • additional park/playground maintenance includes Westwood Park and Tuxedo Park;
  • Angelo Franco was a Doane intern for Parks and Recreation this semester;
• Gary Young, Police Chief:
  • relayed information from new Code Enforcement Officer Herms Trujillo including parking and nuisance property cases; nuisance property issues gain more traction by personal contacts than letters; parking on grass and other instances numbered 64 with about 16 left after personal contacts to remedy the situations; this is a significant amount of work for someone new in our system and he is also helping with traffic control and translation;
  • Part time Administrative Assistant position is posted;
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked about council members seeing a list of nuisance properties in their prospective wards; Ourada said that could be shared as internal documents and he can talk with the city attorney about how best to do that;
• Tom Ourada, City Administrator:
  • have used four Cline Williams attorneys in the last couple of months and we haven’t skipped a beat in what we’ve been able to accomplish;
  • meeting with residents Dave and Allison Clevette who are interested in volunteering to plant shrubs and flowers in the community; on a larger scale they could create an organized group and he connected them to Liz instead of random projects in random city spaces;
  • LB840 - passed by voters and reaffirms peoples’ hope in what we’re doing; Mayor Dave Bauer said Crete News Editor Amy Hausman also worked with the Crete Chamber of Commerce to put information together on LB840;
  • Southwest Power Pool called and asked us to run - we generated from the 6MW unit at the power plant; had a very preliminary discussion about Crete investing in a 20MW combustion turbine engine;
  • we have many grants at work; you’ve heard about the fire department, police department, park and rec, library; 
  • PD is down several officers, one candidate will be evaluated in January and we will look at filling other positions down the road;
  • waiting on bids for the public restroom and pavilion in City Park; there is some grant money available and other funding that might become available; it will free up the park bathroom space in City Hall and free up some things we want to do in the building;
  • MEAN meetings in Kearney on Wednesday and Thursday; the council will meet as the Board of Adjustment on Thursday at 5 p.m.
  • talked with the Mayor and Council President about a rate reduction for a utility customer;
• Council member Anthony Fitzgerald:
  • asked about City Park projects and if there would be any comprehensive landscape and irrigation mapping for the park as this moves forward; Ourada said they will look at what funding will be available for the full scope; 
  • asked about a park maintenance shed by the softball complex in Tuxedo Park; Ourada said Liz Cody was addressing the issue;       
  • zoning consultant work; Ourada said it would be 9-12 months or sooner for those recommendations;
  • status of fire department membership numbers and addressing it through an allowed percentage of non-EMS members; Ourada said he has not talked yet with Fire Chief Tod Allen, however, there are departments going that route and some negatives that could result; if the department changes their by-laws those changes will come to the council for approval;
  • could the council get an updated street project list at the end of the year;
  • status of council-authorized use of state purchase pricing for a new road grader; Ourada said we do not know a timeline for that delivery - unused/inoperable graders will be used on trade;
  • Ourada said a couple of months or so for delivery on the new tar kettle;

 Meeting adjourned.

Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, Nov. 4

View this Meeting Agenda and attachments.

Mayor Dave Bauer and Council member Ashley Newmyer were absent. Council President Dale Strehle presided over the council meeting.

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: City Council Oct. 7, Special City Council Oct. 23, Legislative/Community Development Committee Oct. 7 and Oct. 21, Finance Committee Oct. 7, Public Works Committee Oct. 7 and Oct. 21
• Treasurer’s Report
• Payment of claims against the City 

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to the review of the R-3 Special Exception request from TML Properties at 307 E 12th St for a sign. City Administrator Tom Ourada said the Public Works Committee recommended this at the last meeting. The request is for a new sign for Crete Smiles Dental Clinic on East 12th Street. Building Inspector Trenton Griffin clarified it’s not a lighted sign, but new for the business with no sight issues.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the application from TML Properties for an R-3 Special Exception permit request at 307 E 12th St for a sign at Crete Smiles Family Dentistry. The council voted on each of the eight findings to determine if they were applicable or if the project complies or conforms.

The Council voted 5-0 to table the following item to the next meeting: Ordinance 2260 Amending Ordinance 2255.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2025-26 Crete DBE (Disadvantage Business Enterprise) Program FY 25-26-27. Ourada said this is a federal requirement for any grant work and to receive certain funding.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2025-27 Signing of the Year-End Certification of City Street Superintendent 2025. 

The Council voted 5-0 to table the following item to the next meeting: LB840 Application from Dollarama Remodeling and Solutions LLC in the amount up to $27,000.00.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the LB840 Application from Tom and Vicki Sorensen for an amount up to $250,000.00. Ourada said it was brought to the Legislative/Community Development Committee’s attention to consider future planning and partnerships. The city had several discussions as well as with the developer. This project was vetted and it’s currently in the best interest to go with this particular use and location at this time. Tom Sorensen offered thanks to Ourada and said they are trying to make this facility an asset to the community.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the LB840 Application from Cristina's Family Restaurant in the amount up to $20,000.00 for equipment and building upgrades.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the MEAN Master Services Agreement. Ourada said this agreement had to be redone when MEAN reorganized.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Crete Carrier Community Room Grant Application from Jay Gilbert for Apace Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. This is an annual event.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Drevo Addition Administrative Subdivision. Ourada explained this will separate a property from one lot into two.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the SACK 1st Addition Administrative Subdivision. Ourada explained this property is intended to be split and sold off for use as a potential pickleball facility.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve replacement of the tar kettle. Ourada said the street department’s tar kettle suffered a leak and needs to be replaced at a cost of over $50,000. The city can turn in the old kettle for a discount on the new one.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the grant donation for the Crete Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Chief Tod Allen said this grant is a catalyst to give donations back to the community. The department can get $5,000 from the from the Walter Scott Family Foundation to give back to local holiday campaigns: Crete Cares, hygiene stockings project, Operation Under the Tree, school coat drive. CVFD fits a niche as a small fire department and the foundation liked their ideas for donations to the community.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the serving of catered alcohol with a Special Designated Liquor License at the Community Room for the Rotary Club holiday dinner on Dec. 18, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Downtown Business District Snow Removal and Weed Management Service Agreement. Ourada explained the downtown business district had a request for proposals for snow removal and weed control; the city negotiated with one bidder and this is the service agreement for that bid.

Petition - Communication - Resident Concern:

• Cindy Wanek asked how to request a parking restriction. Ourada said the city would study the submitted request and then take it to a committee for possible action.

Officer Reports:

• Gary Young, Police Chief, said the department’s new code enforcement officer is taking care of issues in neighborhoods; officers have been busy with investigations and patrol.
• Tod Allen, Fire Chief, said the department has 39 members and they are looking at a bylaw change to allow non-EMT firefighters (they currently require firefighters to be certified EMTs); they’ve had good discussions with members and on what other departments are looking at to solve similar issues. It’s not a simple process to get on the department and some want to be an EMT but can’t pass the National Registry test.
• Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director: 
  • Tuxedo campgrounds closed at the end of October and building facilities have been winterized;
  • continue with playground inspections;
  • martial arts program is the last recreation program of the calendar year;
• Trenton Griffin, Building Inspector, shared building logs; end of fiscal year totals - 362 total permits, 21 new single family, 12 units between two building projects;
• Council member Tom Crisman asked about the food trailers and new regulations; Ourada said one is gone, one is still there, and the bus is still there; they’ve had a discussion with the food truck on Hawthorne.
• Tom Ourada, City Administrator:
  • talked with Mayor Bauer about a part time person to assist the Community Assistance Office for 3 days or 5 afternoons a week; they’ve done the interview process and Human Resources Coordinator Jody Fiehtner vetted applications; they have a candidate who will fit well into the city and benefit other areas;
  • city officials, including council member Dale Strehle, had a teleconference with Burlington Northern and their management company; they are putting together a scope of services on a project that could approach $50 million; the Main Street tracks are a primary topic along with a quiet zone;
  • solid waste agreement will go to the council for review.

Meeting adjourned.

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

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.

The City of Crete - Crete Fire Department issues open burning permits in accordance with the following:

• Nebraska Statute 81-520.01 states there shall be a statewide open burning ban on all bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and fires for the purpose of clearing land.
• The fire chief of a local fire department of his or her designee may waive an open burning ban for an area under his or her jurisdiction by issuing an open burning permit to a person requesting permission to conduct open burning.
  • Crete Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad serves the Crete Fire District (pdf map) 

Permit information required: owner's name and phone number, person supervising the burn and phone number, burn location, person assuming responsibility in event fire comes out of control.

• Permit holders must contact the city before any burn: call 402.826.4312 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
  • Burning is allowed on weekends, but permission must be obtained on the last business day of the week during business hours.
• Burns must not start before sunrise and all open flame must be extinguished before sunset on each day of the burn.
  • Burning is not permitted when the wind is expected to blow more that 15 mph (according to National Weather Service) on the day of the burn.
  • No burning is allowed during Red Flag Warnings in the area.
• Permit must be signed by the fire chief.

Submit a completed Burn Permit in one of the following ways:

• Copies are available in the Public Works Office
• View/Download the City of Crete - Open Burning Permit 
  • print and return to the Public Works office at City Hall
  • email a copy to the Public Works office

Crete Volunteer Fire Department
Burn Permits - City Hall Public Works Office: 402.826.4312  |  243 East 13th Street

The City of Crete provides forms and documents online related to city programs and services. Forms are in a pdf fillable format or can be printed and completed by hand. Links are also shown for forms available in other sections on this site.

Still can't find what you're looking for? Contact City Hall, 402.826.4312, or view a list of city officials and department contacts: City Hall & Officials, Parks & Recreation, Public Works Directory.

Fall/Winter 2025:

• Job opening: Administrative Assistant - Crete Police Department (part-time): applications accepted until position is filled
• View/download the 2025 Parks and Recreation Program Schedule (pdf):   English   |   Español
• Plumbers License Renewal 2026 - Building Inspector's Office
• Energy efficiency programs
• Burn Permits
• Commercial Snow Removal Permit
• Sign up for emergency alerts

City Council: 

• Meeting agendas
• On the City Council's main page find:
  • Council Wards/Voting Locations
  • Information about meeting minutes and summaries
  • current legal notices and public hearings
• Public Comments and Agenda Item Requests
• Records Request

Building Inspector's Office:

• Building Permits
• Plumbers License Renewal 2026
• Call Before You Dig
• Zoning Regulations and Building Code

City Clerk:

• The following local permits are online in the Registrations and permits section:
  • Annual and New Business Registration
  • Mobile Food Vendor Permit
  • Special Event Permit Application (festival, parades, fun runs, events requesting street closures, etc.)
  • Prohibited Animal Exception Permit (temporary livestock events, fairs, rodeos, parades, circuses, demonstrations, etc.)
  • ATV and UTV use in city limits
  • Fireworks Sales Permit
  • Door-to-door Sales Permit
  • Sidewalk Cafe Permit
• Records Request from the Clerk's Office
• For additional permits related to city code ordinances, please contact the clerk's office.

Finance Department:

• Annual Budgets and Financial Statements
• City Surplus Online Auctions

City Code: The City Code of the City of Crete is the accumulated ordinances of the City and is online in a keyword searchable format. This link includes a preface explaining how the code is organized and labeled.

City Master Fee Schedule: A comprehensive list of all city fees for services, permits, utilities, and programs across all departments and offices. View the Master Fee Schedule

Public Works - Utility Office:

• all forms must be returned to City Hall Public Works Office in person.
• New Utility Service Account Application
  • Find more information about electric, water, sewer, trash and recycling services; online and automatic payments
• Burn Permits
• Commercial Snow Removal Permit
• Wood Cutting Permit - on city property
• Veterans Monument bricks information and order form
• City Maps: online mapping for property zones, districts, and other information related to the physical layout of the municipality.

​​​​Community and Economic Development:

• Downtown Revitalization program - guidelines and application
• LB840 Economic Development
• Tax Increment Financing

Crete Police Department:

• Animal Control and Permitted Animals - Permitted and prohibited animals and animal impounds
• Parking Enforcement - parking tickets and vehicle impounds

Crete Fire and Rescue Department:

• Burn Permits
• CVFD Membership Application
• Crete Fire District map

Crete Public Library:

• Library card signup
• Reserve and borrow materials
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library signup
• New: Library of Things

Parks and Recreation Department:

• RecDesk - online registration for recreation programs
  • View/dowload the 2025 Parks and Recreation Program Schedule (pdf):   English   |   Español
• Veterans Monument bricks information and order form
• See information for rental or reservation of park spaces and structures.
• City Maps: online mapping of public parks and amenities

Human Resources:

• View City of Crete employment opportunities

Election Polling Locations in the City of Crete (new in Spring 2022):

• Crete Ward I - Crete Public Schools - Cardinal Welcome Center, 930 Main Ave
• Crete Ward II & Crete Ward III - Crete Public Library - Community Room, 1515 Forest Ave
• View a Crete Ward map (pdf)or go to the online map and select 'Voting Wards' under the Layers tab)
• Nebraska Voter Information Lookup - Find your polling place

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)

Q.  When do I need a building permit?

A.  The City of Crete requires building permits if you plan to construct, erect, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or dwelling. Some examples would be replacing a water heater, furnace or air conditioner.      

Q.  Where do I get a building permit?

A.  Permits are issued through the Building Inspector's office on the 1st floor of Crete City Hall at 243 East 13th Street. City Hall is open Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. An elevator is accessible from the ground floor entrance on the south side of the building. Permits can be downloaded from this site and returned to City Hall.

Q.  Why get a building permit?

A.  The Building Inspector will do inspections to make sure construction codes are adhered to for the health and safety of the owner and the general public.

Q.  How long does it take to get a permit?

A.   Simple permits like a fence or shed usually can be issued immediately. Permits for homes and larger commercial projects need to be reviewed and could take from 1 to 10 days.

Q.  What do I need to bring to get a building permit?

A.   A plan showing the 4 corners of your lot and the location you are putting the building or addition. If it’s a new home or commercial building we need 3 copies of the plan with construction details. You’ll also need to fill out a building permit form, which can be obtained online or in the Building Inspector’s office. 

Q.  Do I need a permit to build a fence or a garden shed?

A.   Yes, there are building codes that determine where you place them and the size they can be.

Q.  Do I need a permit for a sign?

A.   Yes, the city has regulations on sign placement, types and sizes.

Q.  Can I have construction or landscaping materials placed on my street, sidewalk or in the alley during a project?

A.   City code states rock, gravel, dirt, construction material, litter, and/or containers thereof cannot be placed upon any street, alley, right-of-way, or sidewalk without prior permission from the Department of Public Works.

Q.  Where can I find information on local energy efficiency programs?

A.   Currently, the City of Crete 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.

City Hall is open Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Municipal Building Inspector’s Office is located on the first floor. An elevator is accessible from the ground floor entrance on the south side of the building. Find more information from the Building Inspector's Office

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