Three candidates vying for two city council seats

    One incumbent and two new candidates are seeking a pair of Imperial city council seats up this year at the Nov. 8 General Election.
    The three candidates—Nick Colton, Jan Elliott and Chad Yaw—advanced automatically from the May Primary. Yaw is the incumbent candidate. The council’s other incumbent, Charlesa Kline, chose not to seek reelection.
    Terms are four years.
    Per city code, Imperial city council members receive $2,000 annually.
    Below are questions posed to each candidate and their responses. Biographical information on each is also included. Questions were generated by staff at The Imperial Republican.
    Next week: CCS board of education candidates.

    1) How can the city better use its cash reserves to keep property taxes down? What tax savings ideas do you have?
Colton: We have people who want to move to Imperial but can’t find housing. By using the cash reserves to work on the lack of housing, we can attract more residents and businesses continuing our enviable growth. This should, in turn, allow us to keep property taxes low as we can spread budget needs across a larger population base. I look forward to working with the city administration and council to identify ways we can generate cost savings while making investments for Imperial’s continued improvements.
Elliott: I agree with the decision the City Council made to use cash reserve to pay down the bond rather than raise property taxes. I also feel it is important to have cash reserves to cover unforeseen emergencies or a disaster, however having too much in reserve means higher property taxes. I feel it is important to listen to our community members and auditors’ recommendations and review annually where we can possibly have cutbacks or reduce spending.
Yaw: The City has already pulled out some cash reserves to help keep taxes down this year. Craig Loeffler made the motion to do so, after hearing from citizens, both at our last budget meeting, and around the community. Those reserves are generally kept as emergency monies in each department, just as many of you would do at home, or in your business. With the tough state of the current economy, this seemed like a fitting time to use some of those reserves, and lessen the burden on the taxpayers.
    2) The mayoral candidates differ on how to deal with nuisance properties? You will have a vote on funding the current program as a potential council member. Where do you stand?
Elliott: The current nuisance plan has helped in keeping our city looking more attractive, however, it has caused unnecessary turmoil for some of our citizens. I am eager to understand the process more and find the exact cost to the city for West Central Nebraska Development District services. It is always good to look at alternative options to see if we can achieve the same result and also reduce costs.
Yaw: The City’s Nuisance Abatement program has been an ever changing tool over many years. We, as a council, have tried to listen to citizens about their likes and dislikes of the program, to improve how it is implemented. We have requested many changes over the years, and I think we now have a good program to help keep properties in good order. I am very much in favor of keeping this program in place. It is always a joy to hear people visiting Imperial comment on how nice Imperial is. We have a beautiful town!
Colton: I support continuing to utilize WCNDD to manage the nuisance properties process as a neutral 3rd party to ensure codes are enforced equally to all residents. Before the current process, city police unsuccessfully enforced code violations creating friction with Imperial residents, which is why WCNDD was hired. Imperial must continue to be an attractive city which is an advantage over others in SW Nebraska.
    3) The city has started the potential development of City Square, now proposed to cost $1.64 million, some of which grant funds could cover. Do you favor the plans or not, or is there a better use of the money?
Yaw: There has been some preliminary work done on the possibility of building a City Square. Nothing is set in stone, by any means. It would be a fantastic place for community gatherings, or just a family hangout. We always have to weigh the pros and cons of any project, and attempt to see how those choices will affect our city in the future. As we get further into the process, we will have to determine the priority level of a project such as this against any other major projects that may be coming up in the future, such as building new streets or other main infrastructure that Imperial needs.
Colton: Imperial’s direct expense is estimated to be $600,000. The current blacktop needs replacement due to age. In work I’ve done on similar projects, I would estimate that the City Square (with modifications) versus replacing the blacktop will be a difference of $250,000. The beautification of Main Street and having a safe, central gathering spot for outdoor community events, I believe, is an investment.
Elliott: Even if we can get it built, we would still continue to have upkeep costs associated with it. I am not in favor of the current $1.64 million plan. I feel we can renovate it to utilize it better than we currently are and use some of our own resources to complete that task. One comparison—in past years the IVFD was exploring ideas for a new fire barn at $1.7 million. This never passed. However, if you look at what a fire barn contributes to the community in comparison to a city square, I feel we can find an alternative more cost-effective plan.
    4) Why would you make a good council member in the next 4 years?
Colton: My ability to calmly listen, negotiate and problem-solve without an agenda are my strengths. I understand budgeting and financial statements and have seen what has helped communities be successful across the US. I intend to maintain open lines of communication with our residents and focus on being a leader for Imperial’s on-going success.
Elliott: I have been attending City Council meetings since 2018 on a regular basis. I believe in teamwork and accountability. I am dependable and approachable for issues. I feel you must research issues to make sure you have accurate information to make an educated decision. I believe in working together, especially in our rural community. We must work together for the good of everyone. As we serve on various boards for our community, we must always keep the good of the community at hand, not personal agendas.
Yaw: I have now been on city boards for 18 years, I believe: 2 years on the Planning Commission, and then 16 years on the City Council. I have dealt with a lot of topics and issues over those years, and know the process of how things work pretty well. It is always interesting to see new candidates learn how things work. I feel like it takes about a year before they are even slightly comfortable with the process of things, not to mention knowing past history of events that can help make decisions. Craig has been on the City Council, and understands those details. I believe that we would continue to work together with him as the mayor. We both strive to keep Imperial great, and continue to grow as a community.