FALLS CITY, Neb. — The Falls City Council addressed several key items Monday evening, including the renewal of employee health insurance, upcoming union contract negotiations, and plans for a major energy infrastructure project.
Council members voted to renew the city’s employee health insurance policy with MEDICA. The plan comes with a 6.98% premium increase, bringing the city’s monthly premium to approximately $85,350 for the upcoming year.
In another significant move, the council voted 7-1 to approve a legal services agreement with Woods Aitken LLP for assistance in 2025 union contract negotiations. The firm will represent the city in discussions with the Communications Workers of America, the International Union of Operating Engineers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which represent different departments of city employees.
Attorney Jerry Pigsley will lead the negotiations on behalf of the city at a rate of $355 per hour. The agreement also allows for additional costs related to out-of-pocket expenses and services from other attorneys, paralegals, or legal assistants. Councilman Frank Killingsworth was the only dissenting vote on the matter.
The council also authorized staff to seek qualifications from engineering firms for the Energy Forward Transmission Project. The project includes:
- Designing and managing construction of approximately 15 miles of transmission line
- A new substation with a capacity of up to 50 Mega Volt-Amperes (MVA)
- Right-of-way procurement services
Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Friday, July 15, to Utility Supervisor Trevor Campbell, and will be reviewed by the Board of Public Works.