City Council Approves Business Park Land Sale

NexGen Outfitters is a step closer to reality in Sidney. Tuesday evening the Sidney City Council approved sale of 4.03 acres of the Sidney Industrial Park to NexGen Outfitters.

“This is a continuation of the LB840 agreement with NexGen,” Economic Development Director Melissa Norgard said at the council meeting.

The purchase of the land also include a requirement that NexGen Outfitters create new payroll and jobs. According to city council discussion Tuesday, if the company does not meet its job development requirement, the land reverts back to the City.

“We kept an interest in this,” said City Manager Ed Sadler.

However, Norgard and Sadler expressed confidence the company will stand by their commitments. The Council also waived a three-publication requirement for purchase of the land.

The Council also approved a grant application and authorizing the mayor to sign with the State of Nebraska for Site and Building Development Funds. The grant will assist NexGen Outfitters build their facility at the Sidney Industrial Park. The grant is for $250,000 and issued through the State Economic Development Department's Site and Building Development Fund. The grant will help in construction of a headquarters and warehouse facility. The project is to be completed no later than June 1, 2019.

NexGen Outfitters is an online retailer of hunting, fishing, boating, camping, shooting and related outdoor recreation merchandise.

Monday morning, the Council approved an economic stimulus program that allows private investors to financially back city growth. The program includes the City investing the $300,000 currently budgeted for economic development under LB840. The program will be brought before voters in a special election in August 2018. Cost of the special election will be covered by the City of Sidney. Cheyenne County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh said the last special election cost $15,000.