Government in Sidney
Sidney is the county seat of Cheyenne County, which encompasses 1,196 square miles. The County population, as of the 2005 census, is over 10,000. A three-commissioner board, elected from three districts, governs the county. The beautifully landscaped Cheyenne County Courthouse is conveniently located in Historic Downtown Sidney. The Commissioners meet the first and third Mondays of each month at 8:00 a.m. at the Courthouse.
Sidney is governed by a five-member City Council that is elected for four year alternating terms. The council exercises all powers which have been or may be conferred upon the city by the constitution and laws of the State of Nebraska, except those provided for in state statutes. The community adopted the City Manager form of government in 1950. The Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7:15 p.m. at the City Hall.
The city of Sidney is a full service governmental agency, offering over 20 different public services including all utilities that can be contacted from a single location. Daily administration of Sidney’s governmental operations are conducted by the City Manager. The City Offices house the City Manager, Public Services, City Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Human Resources, Inspections, Accounts Payable Clerk, Utility Clerk, Cashier/Receptionist and Sidney Public Transportation. The office handles utility deposits for customers, connection and disconnection services, utility payments, permits for handicap, business occupation licenses, cemetery lot purchases, payroll, accounts payable, human resources, inspections and codes, and public services.
City operations include general administration, water, sewer, wastewater, electrical distribution, electrical power generation, police, streets, volunteer fire department, landfill, sanitation pickup, library, business inspections, zoning administration, housing authority, airport, public golf course, parks and recreation, cemetery and swimming pool.
Planning Commission
Meets the third Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. The commission consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council for terms of three years. It is the duty of the Planning Commission to make and adopt plans for the physical development of the city, to recommend to the appropriate public officials programs for public structures and improvements, and for the financing of the same.
Board of Adjustment
Meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. It consists of five regular members plus one alternate, all of whom are appointed by the City Council for a term of three years. One of the regular members must be appointed from the membership of the Planning Commission. This board has the authority in specific cases to authorize variances or to modify the Zoning Codes of the City of Sidney.
Library Board
Meets the second Monday of every month at 5:15 p.m. at the Sidney Public Library. It consists of five members appointed by majority vote of the City Council for terms of four years. The Library Board has exclusive control of the expenditure of all money collected or donated to the Library foundation and exclusive control of all library property. The board also controls the supervision, care and custody of the grounds, buildings, etc.
Civil Service Commission
Meets as needed by public notice at City Hall. It consists of three
members appointed by the City Manager for terms of six years. The commission oversees the enforcement of the Civil Service rules and regulations; hears and determines appeals and complaints respecting the administrative work of the city, administrative departments, allocation of positions, examinations, rejections, etc.; and establishes and maintains a roster of the Police Department.
Tree Board
Meets the third Tuesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. or as needed at City Hall. It consists of five members appointed by the Mayor for terms of three years. It is the responsibility of this board to study, investigate, counsel and develop a written plan for the care, preservation, trimming, planting, replanting, removal or disposal of trees and shrubs in public ways, streets and alleys.
Airport Authority
Meets the second Monday of every month at 1:00 p.m. at Security 1st Bank. It consists of five members elected by the people for six year terms. They are responsible for the operation of the airport.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Meets as needed as called for by the City Manager at a designated meeting place. It consists of six citizen advisory members, who oversee the use of the LB840 local economic development revolving loan fund first authorized by voters in 1997 and reauthorized in 2007. Advisory member qualifications are outlined by state law. The committee makes recommendations to the City Council for use of the economic development funds in job creation activities. The City Manager is administrator of the LB840 funds and the City Council has final decision making authority on all proposed funding projects.
Housing Authority
Meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. It Consists of five members appointed by the Mayor and City Council for alternating four year terms. The Housing Authority is responsible for the administration of Sioux Villa and Western Heritage, two city owned housing complexes, and the new Heritage Estates Complex.
Historical Preservation Board
Meets the second Wednesday of each month an 12:00 p.m. at City Hall. It consists of seven members appointed for three year terms by the City Manager and confirmed by the Mayor and City Council. The Board is responsible for the designation, preservation, protection, enhancement and to perpetuate those structures representing the heritage of the city. It also oversees use of a newly created fund for historic restoration projects for commercial buildings over 50 years of age in Sidney.
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