SIDNEY, NE — Sidney's city council is teaming up with a local non-profit to expand grant efforts.

The council approved a two-year agreement with Keep Sidney Beautiful (KSB) at its meeting last week.

Under the contract, Sidney will pay KSB $10,000 per-year for two years. In return, KSB will apply for grants to improve the city's trails around town. KSB must apply for a minimum of five grants per-year and give quarterly updates to the council on their progress. 

There is an option to extend the agreement for a third year based on the results of the first two years.

KSB Director Jason Nelke cleared up the contract with the council last week.

"I do have time to dedicate to the city, but if they're expecting a full-time employee out of this, that's not what we're able to provide," Nelke said. "I just wanted to make sure if there needs to be some kind of clarification so the city is getting what they feel a $10,000 per-year contract is worth."

The council liked the idea to expand the city's grant writing capabilities for the project. Also, a non-profit like KSB may have to provide a smaller match for funds than a government entity like the city. Their non-profit status may also expand the pool of grants they're able to apply for. 

KSB's history of success in grant writing under Nelke also spurred confidence from city officials. 

City Manager David Scott hatched the idea as the city is looking into how to spend money dedicated to trails near the former Cabela's headquarters.

The city has about $740,000 to spend on trails, according to city documents from previous meetings. The money was collected through a voluntary half-cent sales tax at Cabela's. The city housed the funds, but they were intended for trail projects around the retail store and  headquarters buildings on Old Post Road.

Cabela's/Bass Pro has not attempted to use the funds since the Missouri-based retailer bought-out Cabela's. City officials sent Bass Pro a warning it would use the money if the business didn't intend to. 

Bass Pro never responded to the city.

Now the city is looking to spend it. The issue is the money Cabela's collected can only be used on trails and beautification for the area along Old Post Road due to an agreement between the city and business. 

Sidney's plan is to utilize the funds as a match for grant applications to expand the project to other parts of town. For example, the Recreational Trail Program grant through the Nebraska Game and Parks could award up to $250,000 for trails, but requires the recipient provide a 20 percent match. The city would put up the existing funds as that match. 

"If we are going to spend the Cabela's money it would be prudent to try to use those funds as a match to other related trail grants," Scott said in a memo to the council.

Many larger granting organizations require partial matches to see the applicant is serious about their project before awarding money.

Then the city could spend the $740,000 on trail improvements on Old Post Road and any grant money awarded on trails elsewhere in town. 

The city is currently in the design phase with RDG Planning and Design for improvements to trails along Old Post Road. They are willing to delay the project in case it can be expanded using grant funds.