LINCOLN, Nebraska — The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) Board of Directors approved several action items during its July 15, 2026, meeting, with a focus on the FY2027 budget, flood reduction, stream stabilization, trail protection, and district financial planning.

FY2027 Budget Review
The Board gave tentative approval to Draft #2.1 of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The proposed budget totals $42,996,287 and includes a $14,968,083 property tax requirement.

Budget updates reflected changes related to Salt Creek levee projects, the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project, sinking funds, and project timelines.

August Board Meeting Date
The Board approved rescheduling its August 19 meeting to Wednesday, August 26, to give directors time to review county property valuations before considering final approval of the FY2027 budget. A public hearing on Draft #2.1 of the FY2027 budget will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the NRD office. The draft budget is available on the Lower Platte South NRD website for public review. Final budget approval is expected at the August 26 Board meeting.

Pecan Creek Wetland Complex Monitoring Equipment
The Board approved the sole-source purchase of scientific monitoring equipment from Teledyne ISCO for the Pecan Creek Wetland Complex on UNL East Campus in an amount not to exceed $112,893.

The project is part of the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project and is being completed in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, City of Lincoln, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Beal Slough Stream Stabilization Project
The Board approved the low bid from Nebraska Digging Services for the Beal Slough Stream Stabilization Project near 52nd Street, not to exceed $78,905. The project will address streambank erosion along Beal Slough. Work is expected to begin following Board approval and be completed by June 2027, 2026, weather permitting.

Oak Creek Trail Stabilization Project
The Board approved the low bid from MC Wells Contracting, LLC, of Omaha, for the Oak Creek Trail Stream Bank Stabilization Project near Valparaiso at a total project cost of $425,140.

The project will address severe erosion along the southern bank of North Oak Creek, where such erosion has encroached close to the trail surface. The Board also approved a $19,675.08 amendment with EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. for construction oversight services.

Other items receiving Board approval included:
• The financial report for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and publication of expenditures for June 2026.
• Budget overruns of $8,500 for Auto and Truck Operating Expense and $10,000 for Nebraska Land Trust, with funds coming from cash reserves.
• An amendment to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to offer In-Plan Roth Rollover Contributions and Rollover Transfers, effective Nov. 1, 2026.

The next regular board meeting has been moved to Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Lower Platte South NRD office.