NEBRASKA CITY – Bryan Bequette has filed for election to his third full-term as mayor of Nebraska City saying he wants to continue recent successes and make sure city government is reaching out for public input.

The recent success includes the purchase of land for a housing subdivision and assuring funds to build streets and other infrastructure to get the project moving.

Bequette: “Housing has been an issue since I first joined the council back in 2015, so it’s always been a lack of housing. … I for one used to sit back and say 'well, the developers should come. They’ll come at some time.' But they weren’t coming, so we decided as a council to step up and be our own developer.”

The city passed an increase of the franchise fee on the city-owned utilities to raise $180,000 a year to finance the housing subdivision infrastructure. Dirt work is underway this winter and construction of streets and gutters is expected this summer.

Bequette expects several meetings and discussions to get public input on the subdivision agreement that will stipulate how many lots people can buy, what they can build and  how long they have to build it.

Bequette: “The goal in mind is to increase the housing stock in Nebraska City. It’s a tough time right now, of course, with interest rates and different things. It’s something that’s needed, so we’ve chipped away at it. It’s going to be a great subdivision up there on the hill.”

Bequtte said good government is open and transparent.

Bequette: “The more voices you can hear on each issue the better. The worst thing that I have found, being mayor, is when something is coming up and no one has spoke to me about it. If it’s controversial and I know it’s going to be controversial I make sure we have several opportunities for folks to speak and voice their opinion.

Bequette: “Our two main things is take care of people’s money and take care of the people’s information. Taking care of  information means it’s a two-way street. We need to listen as well as explain to people what is going on. We need to receive that input.”

 

As commissioner of public safety, Bequette has responsibility over the police and Nebraska City Fire and Rescue, as well as the public library. He said while federal recovery funds helped with the housing project and a new pumper truck for the fire department, recruitment and retention remain a priority, especially since the 2020 pandemic.

Bequette: “But keeping that equipment under them so they can respond and then making sure that we make it easy for folks to come forward and volunteer and serve. I’m just so proud of that volunteer fire department and our rescue department. When I talk with other mayors across the state, trying to get folks to man your public safety positions is a huge concern with every mayor.”

Bequette said he has enjoyed serving as mayor and would be honored to serve in that position for another four years.

Bequette: “I just want to maintain and build on the success that we’ve had because when I go around the state and I travel or go to conferences in my position as mayor I just hear so many wonderful things about Nebraska City. “

He listed the creative district, upkeep to the historic downtown and Nebraska City festivals among signals of success.