The City of Crete will hold a live auction of surplus items on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. at Tuxedo Park.

Novak Auction Service will conduct the auction of materials, equipment and vehicles. Additional items from Crete Public Schools will also be auctioned.

See the sale bill (pdf) and Novak Auction's online information for full auction details, additional items not on the sale bill, and more photos. Some information may be available on certain items by contacting Crete City Hall, 402-826-4312.

Four city trucks are included on the sale bill (cab and bed contents pictured not included):

• 1997 Ford F-250: Mileage - 121,869, 5.8L V8, runs, problem with starter 
• 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 w/blade: Mileage - 119,591, 5.3L V8, driver’s side door alignment issue, ran and working blade when parked about a year ago, stored inside
• 1978 Ford F-150 Custom: Mileage - 38,007, straight 6, parked for many years, stored outside
• 1985 GMC Sierra 3500: Mileage - 73,992, runs, may need battery
• click on the galleries for more truck photos

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 role of Police Officer. 

Full-time, hourly position; excellent benefits. 

Minimum qualifications include: 

• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Possess a valid Nebraska driver’s license or able to obtain a valid Nebraska license prior to beginning the Nebraska Law Enforcement academy.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must meet all requirements identified in the Crete Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
• Must meet all the entry requirements for the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center.
• Able to read, write, and understand the English language at the eleventh-grade level as demonstrated by the Test of Adult Basic Education
• Be able to legally carry a firearm.

Application packets will be accepted until positions are 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 application packet, which includes the following:

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

For additional inquiries, please contact:

Jody, Fiehtner, Human Resources Coordinator
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.4313
jobs@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 Crete City Council will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, Aug. 14

The next Crete City Council regular meeting will be on Tuesday, Aug. 19

Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, Aug. 5
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments.

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: City Council July 15, Public Works Committee July 15, Public Safety Committee July 15, Legislative/Community Development Committee July 15, Finance Committee July 15
• Treasurer’s Report
• Payment of claims against the City 

The Council held a Public Hearing on proposed Zoning Change Request PID 760144733 CRETE CITY PINE RIDGE ADD LOT 1 BLK 2 .41 ACRE, PID 760148160 BIG BLUE PRCT PT NW 1/4 NW 1/4 SEC. 2-7-4 .41 ACRES ICL R1 To R2. City Administrator Tom Ourada explained the developer of this property, council member Anthony Fitzgerald, asked for a minor subdivision and rezoning is required in this case. He’s followed the process and it started with approval from the Planning Commission, which was voted on at their Aug. 4 meeting.

The Council voted 5-0 (Fitzgerald abstained) to approve the proposed Zoning Change Request PID 760144733 CRETE CITY PINE RIDGE ADD LOT 1 BLK 2 .41 ACRE, PID 760148160 BIG BLUE PRCT PT NW 1/4 NW 1/4 SEC. 2-7-4 .41 ACRES ICL R1 To R2.

The Council held a Public Hearing on proposed amendment to the Land Use Zoning Map PID 760144733 CRETE CITY PINE RIDGE ADD LOT 1 BLK 2 .41 ACRE, PID 760148160 BIG BLUE PRCT PT NW 1/4 NW 1/4 SEC. 2-7-4 .41 ACRES ICL R1 To R2. Ourada this action considered amending the zoning map or future land use map, a statutory requirement for a comprehensive plan; any approved rezoning, annexations, etc, the city must change the land use map.

The Council voted 5-0 (Fitzgerald abstained) to approve the proposed amendment to the Land Use Zoning Map PID 760144733 CRETE CITY PINE RIDGE ADD LOT 1 BLK 2 .41 ACRE, PID 760148160 BIG BLUE PRCT PT NW 1/4 NW 1/4 SEC. 2-7-4 .41 ACRES ICL R1 To R2.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the 2025 Crete Water & Sewer Rate Study. JEO gave a presentation to the Public Works Committee and met with the city prior in the course of the study; they recommended water and wastewater rate schedules with stepped increases out to 2030. Mayor Dave Bauer said the rate study and increases are very small in his opinion, JEO did a good job studying the departments and the revenue needs.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Saline County Rural Fire MFO Agreement. Ourada said this is a standard agreement up for renewal this year.

The Council voted 6-0 to table the Certification of subdivision improvements for Burlington Estates. The city is waiting for additional requirements to be met by the developer to the satisfaction of the engineer.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Crete Police Department applying for the Highway Safety Mini-grant for car seats. Chief Gary Young said this will allow the department to help provide child seats for people who may not be able to afford them, or afford updated seats. CPS Officer Noah Zach is certified to inspect child safety seats and is doing this by appointment and will host a larger community event.

The Council voted 5-0 (Papik abstained) to approve the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $104.63.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve Resolution 2025-9 LARM Renewal. The council previously agreed to the renewal terms and this put it in resolution form.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve Resolution 2025-12 Introducing propositions for voters to approve the extension of the City .5% sales and use tax and extension of the City's Local Option Municipal Economic Development plan to be voted on by the community on November 4. Ashley Newmyer, chair of the Legislative and Economic Development Committee said they reviewed the plan and recommended the city move forward. Mayor Bauer said this is the LB840 plan that has been very successful for the City of Crete and improved things in town that have brought people in. I encourage everyone to ask about it and look for this information. Ourada clarified that after this vote, the city cannot spend any money to campaign on this topic, which would be a violation of state law. We can educate or answer questions.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Lift Station Construction Agreement between the City of Crete and Dittmer & Dittmer, LLC. Ourada said this agreement is with the city and Dittmer & Dittmer, LLC, with plans and specifications for lift station at zero cost to the city

The Council voted 6-0 to approve maintenance plans and set a bid date for the Business Improvement District. Ourada said this is for snow removal in the downtown district with a bid opening on Aug. 29 at 10 a.m.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve Resolution 2025-13 authorizing the city to increase the match to Police Officer retirement contributions to 9%. Ourada said this is mandated by state law voted in this year.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve authorizing to apply for the LARM Safety Grant. Ourada said the city applies for this every year and includes a $500 grant with zero match. In the past the city has used it for traffic cones, barricades, first aid kits, etc.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the City of Crete engineer formally making plans and specs for lift station construction. This goes along with the Dittmer and Dittmer LLC agreement; after plans and specs are done it will move to bid letting.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve amendment to auction agreement. The date changed from Aug. 16 to Sept. 6.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the City of Crete #24DTR001 Payment Request #2 in the amount of $6,096.54 from Southeast Nebraska Development District.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Crete 24PWI004 Payment Request #2 from Southeast Nebraska Development District in the amount of $7,114.10

Petition - Communication - Citizen Concern:

Officer Reports:

Reports may be given by Officers, Departments, Committees, or Council members concerning the current operations of the City. No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.

• Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director: 
  • the pool closed on Sunday, Aug. 3; 8k patron visits, about 220 in swimming lessons, infant and toddler, water aerobics;
  • Coed Softball is ongoing, registration is open for youth flag football;
  • Exmark mower grant is partially complete with pickup of the new mower in Beatrice on Wednesday and $25,000 in awarded funds to use for Library Park this season;
• Gary Young, Police Chief:
  • Officer Noah Zach organized Project Protein with 1,600 pounds of donated meat products distributed to about 160 families; late July into August is tough for some families with no school meals, etc. I am proud of him and his enthusiasm for this work and looking forward to seeing him in the schools this year;
  • Sgt Lincoln Morehouse is working with forensic investigation for thefts from gaming machines; he’s working with DMV, facial recognition, Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff, and Nebraska City PD to wrap up the individuals responsible;
  • ‘Touch-A-Truck’ event on Saturday at the library, 10am-12pm; this was a PD idea and Jessica at the Library put it together to showcase library, police, fire, public works, etc.
• Jessica Wilkinson, Library Director:
  • Maridza’s idea was putting together a children’s Library of Things which includes Tonies, story time kits; these ideas come from staff members to help the library evolve;
  • September will be busy with Maker Mondays, baby art cafe, chess club; toddler and preschool story times; we’ve have had 2 kids complete 1,000 Books before Kindergarten, 8 are working to it;
• Tom Ourada, City Administrator said food truck information will be at the next meeting;
• Mayor Dave Bauer mentioned a group from Lincoln with a member in Crete who hosts visitors from a different country and this year is a group of mayors, etc. from Romania. They are going to Lincoln and Schuyler city council meetings and will be in Crete Sunday evening with a school bus tour of town from the library, then a meal and their program in the community room.

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 Code Enforcement Officer. Full-time, hourly position, with benefits. General functions: Under the direction of the Police Lieutenant or other assigned department director or manager, this position performs a wide variety of duties involved in the investigation of potential violation and the enforcement of municipal codes, ensure animal control, ordinances and regulations including building and zoning codes. This position performs office and field work involving the inspection, investigation, and enforcement of applicable codes and ordinances pertaining to nuisances, zoning, parking, and related quality of life and public safety issues. This position also provides customer service to residents, businesses, and other complainants in resolving concerns and complaints. Report to Police Lieutenant, Crete Police Department. Hourly range: $20.04-$27.47. See full job description for more information.

Minimum qualifications include: 

• be at least 19 years of age;
• possess a valid driver’s license;
• have high school diploma or GED;
• be legally able to work in the U.S. 

Necessary Special Requirements: 

• must speak, read, and write fluently in English;
• reside within 30 minutes of the City of Crete.

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

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete, NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.4312

City Hall

• City Hall is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and centrally located in the downtown area on East 13th Street.
• South side parking and ground level entrance: (access from Linden Ave. between 12th and 13th Streets) Off-street parking, handicap parking, and Utilities drive-thru; Utilities Office ground level main entrance and elevator access.
• North side parking and first floor entrance (steps): Parallel parking spaces are available along East 13th street.
• Ground Floor: Public Works - Utilities Office and elevator access.
• First Floor: City Administrator, City Clerk, Finance Director, Building Inspector, Parks and Recreation (program registration and city facilities rentals/reservations), Community Assistance Director, and Human Resources
• Second Floor:  City Council Chambers, and Council Meeting Room

Utility Issues: If residents have any ongoing or immediate utilities issues or concerns (electric, water, sewer, street, trash or recycling) they should call the Public Works Office at City Hall, 402.826.4312. If situations occur after regular business hours, calls to this number will be answered by dispatchers who will notify the proper on-call city personnel. This is the most direct and efficient way to contact the city regarding these issues.

 Website - www.crete.ne.gov | Social Media

• Please use the City Government, Departments, Public Works, and Library sections above to find more information about City of Crete functions and services.

• Official City of Crete social media accounts (@CreteNE) are maintained by City Hall staff on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additional city departments also maintain social media accounts: @CretePoliceNE, @CPDPoPaws, @CreteFireNE, @CreteLibraryNE. All accounts are for communication with the public about city services, programs, announcements, and notifications. Accounts are not monitored 24 hours a day. In an emergency, call 911. For utility issues, see above.

Elected Officials:

• Mayor Dave Bauer
• City Council Ward I - Dan Papik, Anthony Fitzgerald
• City Council Ward II - Dale Strehle, Tom Crisman
• City Council Ward III - Kyle Frans, Ashley Newmyer

City officials/department heads:

• City Administrator - Tom Ourada
• City Clerk - Nancy Tellez
• Finance Director - Wendy Thomas
• City Attorney - Anna Burge
• Economic Development
• Human Resources
• Police Chief - Gary Young
• Fire Chief - Tod Allen
• Community Assistance Office - Director Marilyn Schacht
• Library Director - Jessica Wilkinson
• Building Inspector - Trenton Griffin
• Parks and Recreation Department -Director Liz Cody
• Public Works - Utilities
• City Code

Records Requests:

• Please see information and the Records Request form from the City Clerk's Office

Crete is a First-Class city with a Mayor-City Council form of government with the mayor and six council members who are all elected to four-year terms. There are three council wards, each represented by two members. The 2023-2024 actual/estimated expenditures are $30,154,401. The current municipal levy is 0.342669 (2024). The actual valuation of the City of Crete is $450,968,476 (2024).

In addition to the 5.5% Nebraska sales tax, a 2% city sales tax is imposed in Crete. The revenue generated by 1% of the city sales tax is used entirely for property tax relief; 0.5% is dedicated to economic development; the final 0.5% is dedicated to capital construction and public safety.

Regular city council meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of each month at City Hall; council members sit on six standing committees. There are 11 citizen advisory boards appointed by the mayor and approved by the council.

VISION STATEMENT: 
Crete, Nebraska will be a destination for family living, business development and a variety of activities.

MISSION STATEMENT: 
The City of Crete, Nebraska strives to provide the municipal services required for a safe and peaceful "Community in Motion" in which to live, work and play.

City of Crete annual memberships and dues paid October 2024 - March 2025: