Airport projects, storm recovery and budget planning headline Colby City Council meeting
July 7, 2026
Airport improvements, ongoing storm recovery and early budget planning highlighted the Colby City Council's regular meeting on July 7 at City Hall.
Council members approved several projects directed at continuing progress at Shalz Field, including a 40-year lease for a private hangar, and a $1.41 million contract with Q.M.C for a city owned box hangar. Construction on is set to begin in August as materials arrive.
The council also finalized acceptance of two Federal Aviation Administration grants totaling $1.13 million to help fund its project. Council members recognized the hard work from the city to pursue state and federal grants limiting city cost to just $80,000, with more grants possible.
Infrastructure projects also moved forward as the council approved a $95,000 engineering agreement with PENCO for the reconstruction of Country Club Drive, which is expected to begin with traffic control installations this week. Payments totaling more than $175,000 were approved for ongoing waterline improvements, with city officials reporting the project is nearing completion.
The council also authorized $35,779 in repairs to 26 electrical transformers that were recently tested and approved for refurbishment, while approving the transfer of 12 trees from the city's tree farm to replace storm-damaged trees at Meadowlake Golf Course.
Moving on to the 2027 budget, the council approved a letter of intent to exceed the state's Revenue Neutral Rate. Officials emphasized that the city intends to keep its mill levy flat, using increased property valuations to generate approximately $46,000 in additional revenue rather than raising taxes. Council members commended city staff for maintaining the city's finances while navigating rising operating costs.
Department reports focused largely on the aftermath of June's severe storms.
Public Works Director Omar Weber said parks throughout the city sustained significant damage, estimating cleanup and tree replacement could take up to a year. Villa High Park was among the hardest hit, with officials believing the storm caused a nearly complete fish kill in the lake. Street crews recently concluded citywide tree pickup after weeks of hauling debris, with Weber thanking Thomas County Road and Bridge for assisting with cleanup efforts.
Weber also reported that preliminary inspections indicate the city's elevated water standpipe sustained substantial storm damage and may require major repairs. Mosquito fogging has also begun following weeks of standing water, although equipment issues briefly interrupted operations.
Technology Director Mike Halbleib reported completing a citywide server migration in-house, saving approximately $30,000 in outside costs. He also identified unnecessary telephone expenses, including an inactive utility line and an $831-per-month 911 phone line that is being replaced with comparable service costing about $35 per month.
Recreation Director Aaron Lambertson reported the city's swimming pool quickly recovered from storm damage and received numerous compliments during the annual swim meet. While the Event Center and ball fields also suffered damage, summer programs have continued uninterrupted, with youth baseball and softball wrapping up and fall sports registration already underway.
Council members concluded the meeting by recognizing city employees across multiple departments for their response to the storms and their continued efforts to restore parks, streets and public facilities throughout the community.