City of Beatrice names new Finance Director, to fill retirement vacancy
City Finance Director Linda Koch to retire early next year
By News Channel Nebraska
BEATRICE – The City of Beatrice has appointed a Finance Director to take over when long-time city employee and Finance Director Linda Koch retires early next year. The Beatrice City Council approved the appointment of Hannah Bell, Monday night…who will be promoted effective January 8th. Bell started as an assistant hired by Koch in 2014.
"I moved up to accounting clerk, I want to say, in '16 or '17. While at the city, I pursued my Bachelor's degree and I also have my MBA from Northwest Missouri State."
Bell was involved in putting together this year’s biennial budget for the city, which she called a “great eye-opener” in preparation for her new job, and will increase her role in the city audit process that is taking place this fall.
Meanwhile, the mayor and council got an update Monday night on funds on hand within the city’s economic development budget. Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Review Committee, Grant Jones, said the city has a significant amount of funds in its LB 840 sales tax account.
"We're doing really well in terms of funds available, at $724,000, but we're just waiting for some projects to get in the hopper so we can bring them toward you guys, for a recommendation."
The city’s Community Development Block Grant fund has about $115,000 remaining in it. That money will be disbursed in the future. Monday night, officials approved the appointment of Patty White to the Citizens Advisory Review Committee.
In other action Monday night, elected officials approved a final pay request of over $50,000 to Lottman Excavation for the Big Blue River Access project.
An agreement to provide city funding to Main Street Beatrice of $30,000 for this budget year was approved. The agreement is modeled after one used by the city to fund Gage Area Growth Enterprise, or NGage.
The Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce was granted permission to use city property in conjunction with the Annual Holiday Lighted Parade along Fifth Street, set for December 4th, at 5:30 p.m.