FAIRBURY, Neb. -- The search for a new water superintendent in Fairbury continues after the city extended its contract with People Services. 

It had had a contract with the water operating company out of Omaha and extended it Tuesday for an additional 90 days as it searches for its next water superintendent. 

State regulations require Fairbury to have a grade two operator but, with the retirement of current Superintendent Dennis Gaston set for August, it would not have that.

Mayor Spencer Brown is optimistic the city will find its next superintendent before August. That would allow city staff to train the new hire and get them licensed and qualified. 

“Obviously, we want to get somebody in the saddle,” said Brown. “We want to get them trained up and along with Dennis so that they know the ropes and they get to understand our system.”

Brown hopes to have the new superintendent stay in Fairbury and manage the day to day activities within the water department. 

But for at least the next 90 days, the city will stay with People Services for its water operations.