How fast is your Internet???
Take the simple speed test
SURVEY LINK: SENDD/Wahoo/Saunders County Broadband Speed Test
The City of Wahoo is asking for your help. Over the past year sufficient internet connection speed has played a huge role in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Children learning from home, parents working from home, health care happening at home, and social connections with family and friends are happening from home. Fingers crossed, this pandemic will be coming to an end soon, but it has emphasized the role rural communities play in the success of this state and in this country. On top of that reliable internet with sufficient speed needs to be affordable. For all our residents. Our future is dependent on our connection to the rest of the world... and that is very dependent on affordable high-speed internet connections.
The City of Wahoo is a member of Southeast Nebraska Economic Development District (SENDD) and partners with them on many projects. SENDD was successful in securing grant funding for a data collection project of internet speeds across the state of Nebraska. Currently, the only way a community knows how fast connections and at what price is by asking residents or relying on the third-party internet providers (Windstream, Spectrum, etc.) to answer that question. This project will provide REAL data at REAL locations in our community - and it comes straight from the user who pays the bill - YOU. The more participation we have, the better the data set will be when this project is complete.
So why is this important to Wahoo and Saunders County? First and foremost, this survey will give us accurate data, and as the old saying goes... knowledge is power. We can use this data to plan for our future and gives us power to negotiate with providers and apply for grant funding to possibly make installation of upgrades more affordable. Second, there are hundreds of articles available through numerous sources that talk of the importance and connection between rural vitality and affordable broadband connection. Rural Nebraska needs affordable connections.. not to survive, but to thrive. And lastly, across the state it is a bit of a competition to see who can get the best data set. Competition? Wahoo? This is a no-brainer. We are winners in this community, so let's get this done.
The following link will take you to a link on SENDD's website. Once on this website you can enter either your full address or partial address - whichever you are comfortable with - enter the amount you pay for your connection per month (no TV, no land line) and then once you click go, it will conduct an internet speed test and document your results. This information is recorded on the map below the survey. (NOTE: To see your result once you've completed the speed test, just click refresh on your internet browser and you will see your dot show up on the map).
SURVEY LINK: SENDD/Wahoo/Saunders County Broadband Speed Test
Please share this link with family, neighbors, friends, business owners, etc. to help us in this data collection process. We'd love to have all our 1,600+ addresses show up on this map! Any questions about this can be directed to City Hall (402-443-3222) or the Chamber/Economic Development Office (402-443-4001). Thanks again!!!
Help Wanted - Parks Maintenance Worker
The City of Wahoo Parks and Recreation Department is looking to fill the following position: Parks Maintenance Worker
For the complete job description and job application form, please visit the Wahoo Civic Center website at www.wahooparksandrec.com and click on the Resources>Employment tab to learn more.
This position is slotted on the City of Wahoo pay scale as a Grade C position which begins at $16.61 and tops at $21.05 over nine steps.
Completed applications should be returned to City Hall, 605 North Broadway Street, or the Wahoo Civic Center, or mailed to Wahoo Civic Center, Attn: Parks Maintenance Worker Application, 310 North Linden, Wahoo, NE 68066. The position will remain open until filled. Questions should be directed to Kevin Stuhr at 402-443-4174.
Employment Opportunity -- Street Commissioner/Cemetery Sexton
The City of Wahoo is accepting applications for Street Commissioner/Cemetery Sexton. This position reports to the City Administrator and is responsible for the daily operations of the street (including storm sewer) and cemetery departments of the City through development, coordination, prioritization, direction, and administration of maintenance, repair and operational activities for all functions relating to the City’s streets and cemetery. This is a working foreman position that requires a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of five years of experience in the area of public works or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. In addition a qualified applicant must have two years of supervisory experience. The incumbent will be required to respond from home to work within 15 minutes under normal weather conditions.
This department has six (6) full-time employees including this position. Applicants must have a valid Nebraska CDL and a Nebraska Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator certification (Commercial rating) at time of hire. All offers of employment are conditional upon the successful completion of a physical exam, drug screening and background check including driving record.
Application packets are available at City Hall, by emailing morrow@wahoo.ne.us, online at www.wahoo.ne.us under the Careers tab on the home page, or by calling City Hall at 402-443-3222. The City of Wahoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications should be returned to City Hall, 605 North Broadway St., Wahoo, NE 68066.
First round review of applications will start on January 25, 2021. This position is open until filled.
Job Description - Street Commissioner/Cemetery Sexton
Pay Scale (This position is on the Regular FT scale at Grade L)
Owner Occupied Housing Rehab Program
Funds are still available!
In 2019 the City of Wahoo received a CDBG grant to provide assistance to qualified homeowners in Wahoo to make improvements to their home. During our grant application process we requested pre-applications to be submitted and we received many! This summer all individuals who submitted pre-applications were give the opportunity to submit a full application for consideration. All applications received were reviewed and grants of up to $25,000 are being made to qualified homeowners. The good news is that we still have grant funds available! So, if you believe you may qualify, you own your home, and you need improvements, please consider submitting an application. If you previously submitted a pre-application and would like to submit a full application, please let us know (contact info listed below).
Information on the specifics of the program is available in the brochure (link below), but are generally described below:
Eligible expenses include:
- Structural - foundation, roof, etc.
- Mechanical - furnace, water heater, etc.
- Electrical - wiring, fuse boxes
- Plumbing
- Weatherization - windows, doors, insulation, siding, etc.
- General Maintenance - kitchens, bathrooms, etc.
- Handicapped Accessibility - ramps, bathrooms, etc.
- Safety and Code deficiencies
Expenses that are NOT generally eligible:
- Garages and outbuildings
- Window AC units
- Fireplaces
- Landscape and fencing
- Jacuzzis, hot tubs, spas
- Kitchen appliances
- Any costs for repairs not completed in the program
If you are interested please consider applying by completing this application (Click HERE for application form). This should be submitted directly to SENDD (Southeast Nebraska Development District). SENDD is an organization located in Lincoln, NE that assists communities with application for and administration of grants such as this. If you have questions or concerns about this program or the application, please contact Ryan Bauman rbauman@sendd.org or Jim Warrelmann at SENDD - jwarrelmann@sendd.org or 402-475-2560. If you would like to visit with City staff, please contact Melissa Harrell - harrell@wahoo.ne.us or 402-443-3222.
Program Details
Application Form
Please note: The link with program details suggests this is a county-wide program. It is not, as only those within Wahoo would be considered eligible applicants.
VOIDED BY CITY COUNCIL - City of Wahoo Mask Mandate
City Council overrides the Board of Health and eliminated mask mandate in Wahoo
UPDATE - On December 22, 2020 the City Council voted to declare the Board of Health Order for a mask mandate in public spaces in Wahoo null and void. The Council suggested that masks be used as part of the fight against COVID-19. Businesses may post signs and require individuals to wear a mask to enter their business.
On Monday, November 23, 2020 the Wahoo Board of Health met to discuss the possible implementation of a mask mandate in Wahoo in the fight against the Coronavirus and COVID-19. A unanimous decision was made to implement a mask mandate within the City Limits of the City of Wahoo effective immediately. This mandate will remain in effect until January 4, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. unless otherwise acted upon by the City Council.
Members of the board discussed the recent upward trend in positive cases across Saunders County and the State, the concerns with the high number of hospitalizations in recent days, as well as ways to assist in keeping our local businesses open and our kids in school. According to the COVID-19 Dashboard on State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website, Saunders County has had 270 positive cases in the past 14 days. In addition, the Wahoo Board of Health Medical Advisor strongly recommended a mask mandate be implemented in Wahoo to assist in controlling the spread of the virus. Action will be taken by the City Council at their November 24, 2020 meeting to either reaffirm or void the action of the Wahoo Board of Health. (UPDATE - The Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to affirm the mask mandate on a 4-3 vote. Second and third readings of the ordinance will take place at subsequent meetings. Until action is taken by the Council to void the mandate, the Order of the Board of Health remains in place.)
Full details of the mask mandate can be found in Order No. 2020-03, but generally it requires all persons over the age of five (5) to wear a face covering over their mouth and nose while indoors in a premises open to the public, unless the individual maintains a minimum of six (6) feet of separation or social distance at all times from anyone who is not a member of the individual’s household. Exceptions to this include those individuals seeking state, county, or city government services; anyone seated at a bar or restaurant to eat or drink or while immediately consuming food or beverages; anyone engaged in an occupation preventing the wearing of a face covering; anyone obtaining a service or purchasing a good that requires the temporary removal of the face covering; anyone who is asked to remove a face covering to verify an identity for lawful purposes; anyone who is providing a speech, lecture, or broadcast to an audience so long as six (6) feet of distancing from other individuals is maintained; or anyone who cannot otherwise wear a face covering because of a medical condition, a mental health condition, or a disability that makes it unreasonable for the individual to wear a face covering.
In the event there is a future mandate by either the county, state and/or federal government, then the most restrictive mandate shall be controlling.
Wahoo Board of Health Order No. 20-03
Printable Sign - PDF 1
Printable Sign - PDF 2
Printable Sign - Details - PDF 3
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When do I have to wear a mask?
A: A mask is required within Wahoo city limits when you are in public or utilizing a private or public business and are unable to maintain a constant six-foot distance from those around you.
Q: What businesses does this include?
A: Businesses that are open to the general public. This means all entities that employ or engage workers, including private and public businesses, nonprofits, private clubs, religious centers, public transportation, educational institutions and daycare facilities.
Q: What if the business is a restaurant?
A: Masks are required inside restaurants until the patron is seated or unless the patron is immediately consuming food or beverages.
Q: Do I need a mask at the gym?
A: Masks are required inside gyms and fitness centers. Patrons can take them off if the level of exertion makes it difficult to wear a face covering, but only if six feet of separation can be maintained. Masks are not required when swimming.
Q: What if a mask makes my job dangerous?
A: Masks do not need to be worn if they would create a job hazard as determined by federal, state or local regulators or workplace safety and health standards and guidelines.
Q: Do children need to wear masks in public?
A: Children under the age of five are exempt from the mask requirement.
Q: How should I get the word out about the mask policy?
A: Each business is responsible for posting their own sign that is visible to the public. Click HERE for a link to a printable sign.
Q: What if I have a medical condition that makes it difficult to wear a mask?
A: Under this city ordnance, masks do not need to be worn if the individual cannot otherwise wear a face covering because of a medical condition, a mental health condition, or a disability that makes it unreasonable for the individual to wear a face covering. Individuals may find it convenient to get a note from their physician to make interactions with businesses easier. However, businesses can choose to have stronger mask requirements than the ordinance, meaning individual businesses can require you to wear a mask inside regardless of medical condition. It's best to check with the individual business before arriving.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Masks do not need to be worn if the individual’s desk or workstation has a solid Plexiglas or plastic barrier installed that cannot be moved when interacting with the public. Masks do not need to be worn by public safety workers actively engaged in a public safety role, including but not limited to law enforcement personnel, fire fighters, or emergency medical personnel, in situations where wearing a face covering would seriously interfere in the performance of the individual's public safety responsibilities.
Q: Does the mask requirement apply to businesses that see customers by appointment only?
A: If the staff of the business and the customer can maintain 6 feet of distancing at all times, they would not need face coverings.
Q: Do individuals that have already tested positive for COVID-19 still have to wear a face covering?
A: Yes
Q: What do I do if I see someone not wearing a face covering, even though they should be?
A: Nothing. Some people have conditions or circumstances that would make wearing a cloth face covering difficult or dangerous. Just wear your face covering and stay six feet away.
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Current Highlights
Emerald Ash Borer and Forestry Information
For information on the Emerald Ash Borer and other topics related to community forestry, please click on the Parks & Recreation link above, and visit the Community Forestry page. Any commercial tree contractors doing tree removal and pruning within the City of Wahoo are required to be licensed with the City of Wahoo. Application for Tree Contractor's License . . . read more
Natural Gas
Excessive Flow Valve Gas Awareness Wahoo Utilities purchased the natural gas . . . read more
New Customers
New Customer Information Welcome to Wahoo Utilities! As a new customer, we will need you to apply for service. Please review the Utility Service Policies and Conditions for service in the link below, then complete the application for service. The application must be returned to City Hall at 605 North Broadway in Wahoo, NE 68066, or if you'd like to scan and . . . read more
Agendas & Council Minutes
The Mayor and Council of the City of Wahoo meet regularly on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 605 North Broadway. They also convene as needed for special meetings which can be called by either the Mayor or by three of the six Council members. All meetings are open to the public and are held in accordance with the Open Meetings . . . read more
City Council
Council members of the City of Wahoo are elected from three wards within the City and serve four year terms. Elections are held every even numbered year with one representative being elected from each ward. ( Ward Map ) The Council serves as the legislative division of city government and performs duties and has such powers as authorized by law. They are tasked . . . read more