Crete is a growing and diverse 'community in motion' with over 7,000 residents who call it home. We embrace our pioneering heritage and present-day diversity and continue to thrive with a strong economy, successful school system, and safe parks and neighborhoods.

The City of Crete has nearly 70 full time employees as well as seasonal (summer) opportunities. No matter what role you have with us, you are sure to experience growth, professional development, and career achievements.

(Want to learn more about Crete? Check out City Government, Parks & Recreation, Departments, brand new Library, Business & Industry, and other community links.)

The City of Crete is taking applications for the position of Park Facilities and Groundskeeper in the Parks and Recreation Department. General functions: Organize and implement all direct work duties and responsibilities relating to park grounds and facilities and ball fields maintenance. Full-time, hourly position subject to working some evenings, weekends, and early mornings for snow removal, ball field set up and pool facility maintenance. Reports to the Parks and Recreation Director. See full job description for more information.

Minimum qualifications include: 

• possess and maintain a valid Nebraska driver’s license;
• be at least 21 years of age;
• have high school diploma or GED;
• be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled and may be obtained from the link below or by contacting City Hall. The City of Crete is an equal opportunity employer. Applications should be completed and submitted in one of the following ways: 

• Download the application and job description, type responses, print as PDF and email to jobs@crete.ne.gov
• Print, write responses, scan, and email to jobs@crete.ne.gov
• Fax to 402-826-6412
• Mail to the attention of Human Resources, City of Crete, at PO Box 86, Crete, NE 68333-0086
• Drop off at Crete City Hall - 243 East 13th Street

View/download the job description and employment application:

• Job description 
• Application for employment 

For additional inquiries, please contact:

Wendy Thomas, wendy.thomas@crete.ne.gov
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.4313 Fax: 402.826.6412
jobs@crete.ne.gov

Individuals and media outlets are encouraged to contact the City Administrator for additional details or clarification on the following material. Regular meetings of the Crete City Council are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall; Council Standing Committees may meet prior. View a list of City Officials and current council and committee meeting agendas.

• Questions about agendas or meeting minutes should be directed to the City Clerk.
• Meeting minutes are published in The Crete News (local newspaper)
• Each regular city council meeting agenda also contains the minutes of recent council, committee, and board meetings

The next Crete City Council regular meeting will be on Tuesday, July 21

Condensed Minutes for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, July 7:

View this Meeting Agenda and attachments, entire copy of minutes available at the office of the City Clerk.

Mayor Bauer called the meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m.  Answering roll call were the following Council Members: Frans, Newmyer, Strehle, Papik and Fitzgerald Absent: Crisman

The following actions were taken at the meeting:

Approved the Consent Agenda items: Unanimous

• Meeting Minutes: June 16 City Council , June 16 Public Works Committee, June 16 Finance Committee, June 16 Legislative Development Committee, June 16 Parks & Recreation Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report 
• Claims against the City $1,639,600.35
• Mayor’s appointments:  Jennifer Robison to the Planning Commission, Adam Bauer to the Business Improvement District Board, Jim Crouse and Amanda Lopez to the Library Advisory Board, Ken Marvin, Manuel Dimas, and Liz Umana to the Economic Development Advisory Committee 

Held Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the following proposed Zoning Change Request. Parcel ID: 760144138 I1 to C2. Unanimous

Approved the proposed Zoning Change Request. Parcel ID: 760144138 I1 to C2. Unanimous 

Held Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the following proposed Zoning Change Request A Tract of Land Being Part of Outlot "A", Dittmer Estates Addition Located In The Northeast Quarter Of Section 26, Township 8 North, Range 4 East Of The 6th P.M., City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska, C1 to R3. Unanimous 

Approved the proposed Zoning Change Request A Tract of Land Being Part of Outlot "A", Dittmer Estates Addition Located In The Northeast Quarter Of Section 26, Township 8 North, Range 4 East Of The 6th P.M., City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska, C1 to R3. Unanimous 

Held Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and answer questions in relation to amending the Future Land Use Map. Unanimous 

Approved amending the Future Land Use Map. Unanimous 

Approved the Public Works utility account write- off. Unanimous 

Approved Public Works unclaimed property. Unanimous 

Approved declaring surplus bricks for sale on surplus website and for a cost of $0.25. Unanimous 

Approved the Updated Scope and Fee Crete Park Concept Services. Unanimous 

Enacted Ordinance 2278 renumbering codes created in Ordinance 2277. Unanimous 

Approved the first reading for Ordinance 2279 regulate bicycle, E-bikes, minibikes and other motorized recreational transportation and create penalties for violation of these sections. Unanimous 

Approved the Southeast Nebraska Development District FY27 Membership. Unanimous 

Adopted Resolution 2026-16 authorizing mayor to sign Crete Area Medical Center MOU. Unanimous 

Approved the Memorandum of Understanding Between The City of Crete and Crete Area Medical Center to the commitment to provide health care services to all patients regardless of financial ability. Unanimous 

Officers’ Reports 

• Chief of Police Gary Young stated the following: 
  • Noah Zach was awarded the Nebraska American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and he is a excellent representative of the City of Crete. 
  • Zach has been helping with the car seat initiative and in June there were 9 car seats given out and 14 car seat checks with Sixpence and McKinney-Vento. There will be another car seat event in September. 
  • Young provided a summary of the event that took place at Tuxedo Park with an individual that had a camper made from an armored car and was threating to kill an officer. Young thanked the collaboration of assistance with this event of the Nebraska SWAT, State Patrol, Saline County Sheriffs Office, Lancaster County, and the Crete Volunteer Fire Department. 
• Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Staff are performing daily checks (M-F) on campground areas. 
  • Working park and facility maintenance issues 
  • Additional signage is being posted for dumping, parking, etc. 
  • Thanked the Council for the Ordinance on the e-bikes and mini bikes. 
  • Mayor’s Day at the Wildwood Pool will be Sunday July 12 - free admission during open hours. End of season pooch party on Aug. 2nd 3-4pm. 
  • We thank Coach Martin for her 4 years as head swim coach and are seeking a new swim coach for next season.
  • Adult Co-Ed Softball registration until July 24th.
  • IRA UCF Grant coordinator visits Crete on Wed. July 8th to review sites for upcoming grant funded tree work.  
• City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • The warning stickers for the Ordinance on cryptocurrency are in and will be distributed to the businesses in town that have crypto ATM or Bitcoin ATM. Dr. Sarah Brown and possibly Crete News will be going as well. 
  • The City of Crete did not get the BUILD grant which an application had been submitted or an overpass. 
  • The City has submitted multiple other grants including the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant. 
  • Working with Nebraska Department of Transportation Infrastructure HUB on the Reconnecting Community grant that the City of Crete was awarded for a planning grant for a pedestrian bridge. 
  • Ourada and Mayor Bauer received a letter from Dr. Tom King who is the President of the Library Advisory Board and Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission. He is resigning from that board and commission since he is moving out of Crete. 
  • The City of Crete is working on the recertification for the Economic Development Community certification. The city does that every five years.
  • Keno has been strong the last couple months. 
  • Sales tax is steady. Year to date the City has refunded about $24,000 as part of the State’s incentive program. 
  • We are about 3.86% below what we were last year but 2% ahead of budget and we are stable. 
  • We are working on the new street dedication. 11th street is going through and then there will be a street in front of Blue River Meats dedicated by the various owners. Ourada stated to the Council that they can ponder a street name that starts with the letter x or y. It would be tree name to keep it consistent. Ourada stated that some name options would be presented to the council to vote on. 
  • A new Human Resources Director has been hired, and she will be starting on August 3rd, 2026. 
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked about the next nuisance hearing on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 and if there will be meetings on a more regular basis. Ourada stated that has been addressed and hearings will be held if there are enough nuisances. 
• Mayor Dave Bauer stated that the Crete Fireworks show was great. Bauer added that it has been great to see all the departments helping each other and working together. 

The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.

701 East 4th Street, Crete, Nebraska
(4th Street and Grove Ave.)
Pool: 402.826.3500 (Seasonal: May-August, during pool hours)
Parks & Recreation at City Hall: 402.826.4315
creteparks@crete.ne.gov
City of Crete on Facebook

Wildwood Pool and Park is located in the southeast portion of the city. The public swimming pool includes men’s and women’s restrooms and lockers, zero entry, two slides, splash pad, swimming lanes, and two diving boards. Pool season passes, swimming lessons, youth swim team, and pool parties are available; see below for registration dates and more information.

The park area includes two tennis courts, a playground, picnic area, green space, parking, and public restrooms. Tennis courts include pickleball lines. (Click the photo for a gallery of pool and park images.)

See more information below on when and where to register for pool passes, pool parties, swimming lessons, swim team, and water aerobics.

2026 Pool Season Information

• Wildwood Pool flyer English (pdf)  |  Wildwood Pool flyer Espańol (pdf) 
• Swimming Lessons are offered in June and July
  • registration opens April 27 for ages 4 and up and June 1 for Infant and Toddler lessons.
• RipTide Swim Team registration open March 30 - May 1
• RipTide Swim Team Home Meet - June 6 (no public swim hours)
• Pool Closed: July 4
• Mayor's Day - July 12, free admission during open hours
• Last Day of the Season, Sunday, August 2
  • Open swim 1-3 p.m.
  • Pooch Pool Party from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Cost is $2.00 per dog
    • Dogs must be non-aggressive and leashed upon arrival
    • Toys and inflatables are allowed
    • Dog owners are welcome to swim as well

2026 Pool Admission, Passes & Policies

Season pool passes for individuals and families will be available online (RecDesk) and at the pool during open hours. Purchase passes in person at City Hall, 243 East 13th Street, until the pool opens.

Seniors 55+ are eligible for a season pass that includes unlimited Water Aerobics Classes for only $40. 

Daily Individual Fees:

• Ages 3 & Under Free
• Ages 4-17 $4
• Ages 18 & Older $6
• Ages 55 & Older $4
• Non-swimming parent/guardian $2

Season Passes:

• Individual $60
• Individual Age 55 and over $40
• Family Passes (same household)
  • 2-Person $90
  • 3-Person $120
  • 4-Person $150
  • 5-Person $180
  • 6-Person $210
  • 7+ person $240 

Swim Suits: All patrons who want to swim MUST wear a commercially purchased swim suit. NO street clothes are allowed in the pool, including, but not limited to: jeans, gym shorts, cotton t-shirts, leggings/joggers. ALL infants must wear a swim-approved diaper.

Weather Policies: The pool will close any time the air temperature during the day is recorded below 70 degrees F. Wildwood Pool utilizes a weather application to track thunderstorms and lightning strikes in the area. The Manager on Duty is responsible to monitor any potentially dangerous weather conditions and will respond according to the pool’s safety policies.

2026 Pool Hours 

Monday - Friday

• 9:10-9:50am: Water Aerobics (June 8-July 31)
• 1:00-5:00pm: Open Swim
• 5:00-5:30pm: Adult Swim
• 5:30-7:00pm: Family Swim
• Swimming Lessons (Monday-Thursday)
  • 10:00, 10:40 and 11:20am: All Sessions
  • 5:00 and 7:00pm: Sessions 2 and 3
• Swim Team Practice
  • 7:00-9:00pm: Monday-Thursday
  • 9:00-10:00am: Friday

Friday & Saturday

• 7:00-9:00pm: Private Pool Parties

Saturday

• 1:00-5:00pm: Open Swim
• 5:00-5:30pm: Adult Swim
• 5:30-7:00pm: Family Swim

Sunday

• 1:00-5:00pm: Open Swim
• 5:00-7:00pm: Private Pool Parties

Pool Parties

Private pool parties are held on Fridays and Saturdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m., and Sundays, 5:00-7:00 p.m. during the season. Cost is $250 per party and includes a non‐refundable $50 deposit. Applications are available on RecDesk (under Facilities tab), at City Hall, or the pool during open hours. A completed application and non-refundable deposit is required for reservation.

Water Aerobics

Interested patrons can register on RecDesk or at the pool after opening day; cost is $40 for all classes through the season. Senior participants age 55 and over registered for the season will receive a pool season pass at no additional cost. Daily drop-ins are welcome with a fee of $4 per class and includes that day's pool admission.

• June 8-July 31: Monday - Friday, 9:10 - 9:50 a.m.

Swimming Lessons

• Registration on RecDesk and at City Hall starting April 27 for group lessons ages 4 and up and Infant and Toddler lessons; see more information in the Swimming Lessons article
• Swimming lessons in June and July for participants at least 4 years old; two weeks: 8 - 30 minute lessons
• Infant and toddler lessons in July for ages 6 months - 4 years old; one week: 4 - 30 minute lessons
• Individual swim lessons are available for swimmers of all ages and abilities who would like a 1-on-1 approach to review swimming skills.

Youth Swim Team

Crete RipTide Swim Team, for ages 6-18, competes in the Kansas-Nebraska swim league, which consists of five scheduled meets, held on Saturdays, including one home meet. Competitive events include backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, and relays.

• Registration open March 30 - May 1; Cost is $75 (sibling discount available)
• Limited spaces available.
• Members of the team are required to purchase their own swim suit and goggles. 
• Practices are held at Wildwood Pool, starting May 20:
  • Monday-Thursday; 7-8 p.m. for intermediate swimmers; 7:30-9 p.m. for advanced swimmers
  • Fridays: 9-10 a.m. all levels
• Season is from May to June with Saturday Meets
• The team also seeks parents who can make a commitment to volunteer at least 1 night per week throughout the season, and assist with at least 2 meets.

Crete Coed Slow Pitch Softball League signup is open until July 24.

• Doubleheaders are played on Sunday evenings Aug. 9 - Oct. 11 at Tuxedo Park;
• Registration fee is $450 - softballs included;
• tournament to follow regular league play;
• Registration includes team name, team captain and contact information, roster

Register on RecDesk or find the registration form linked below or at the City Hall Recreation Office.

Coed Softball Registration Form - English (pdf) 

Coed Softball Registration Form - Spanish (pdf) 

Contact Park and Recreation with questions: 402.826.4315 or email Dan Dunaway.

The City of Crete Department of Public Works, in partnership with its wholesale electric power supplier, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, is continuing to provide five energy efficiency programs to assist in lowering energy costs for local utility customers through energy efficiency improvements.

All five programs offer cash incentives to make energy efficient upgrades in the areas of insulation, cooling systems, home thermostats, high efficiency heat pump, and commercial lighting. Here is a rundown of the four programs:

• High Efficiency Heat Pump Program: The program provides cash incentives from $400 to $3,000 to residential homeowners who are installing a new heat pump system to their residential single-family dwelling.
• Smart Thermostat Program: Provides a cash incentive of up to $100 paid directly to residential customers to help cover the cost of installing a qualifying smart thermostat. 
• Attic Insulation Program: Provides cash incentives of $0.15 / per square foot with a maximum incentive of $300 per existing residential dwelling for attic insulation. 
• Cooling System Tune-Up Program: Provides a $30 cash incentive to residential homeowners who have their cooling system tuned up by a HVAC contractor, regardless of what type or age of cooling system (air conditioner/air or water source heat pump).
• Commercial LED Lighting Program: Provides cash incentives paid directly to commercial customers to help cover the cost of interior lighting upgrades and replacements.

These programs are available to customers of the City of Crete through its wholesale power partnership with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. For more information on these programs, contact the Utility Office at City Hall, 402.826.4312. Program guidelines/applications.

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
(Utility Office ground floor main entrance on south side)
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.4312

This summer the library is going prehistoric! Summer Reading 2026 is all about dinosaurs, inviting readers of all ages to step back in time for a season filled with adventure, discovery, and plenty of reading fun beginning May 1. (See the gallery for Summer Reading graphics and links below for calendars and registration.)

• Summer Reading Calendars  - English (pdf) 
• Summer Reading Calendars  - Spanish (pdf) 
• Teen Programs - (pdf)  (Note: July 28 End of Summer Water Fight has been canceled.)

Instead of tracking minutes, kids will be reading for books this year-making it easier than ever to set goals, celebrate progress, and enjoy stories at their own pace. Every book counts as readers work their way toward exciting prizes, with special recognition for those who read the most throughout the summer. 

But the fun doesn't stop there. The library has lined up an amazing series of summer presenters bringing the dinosaur theme to life in unforgettable ways. Families can look forward to high-energy entertainment from the String Beans, along with an exciting visit from Fontanelle Forest Raptors, who will showcase incredible birds of prey. 

Register for kids Summer Reading 

Teens and adults are also part of the action this year. Instead of tracking reading logs, participants can complete book reviews to share what they've read, recommend favorites, and help inspire others to find their next great read. It's a simple, meaningful way to stay engaged all summer long while building a community of readers. 

Join the library's Summer Reading Challenge with a community goal to read 3,000 books by July 31. Every book counts - big and small. Reading logs are going online with the Reader Zone app.

•  Install the 'Reader Zone' from the app store on your device
• create your account and use the library's program code - d0e69
• register each individual reader under the same account
• answer 3 simple questions
• start reading and log your books - no need to add titles, simply track the number of books

Readers can participate in Crete Public Library's summer reading program, typically announced in April/May.

Youth activities in June and July may include games and activities, art projects, story times, guest entertainment and authors, reading challenges, and more. All activities and programs are open to children free of charge, but registration is required. Forms and calendars are made available at the library and online when programs are announced. Additional activities and reading challenges may be offered for adult patrons.

For more information, stop by or call the library, or email Crete Public Library staff.

Check out the resources and services available at Crete Public Library:

• Meet the library staff
• Library Card Signup
• Library Programming
• Borrow & Reserve Materials (drive-thru pickup window available)
• Libby audiobook and ebooks
• Computer use and printing
• Reserve a meeting/study room
• Support & Volunteer

Crete Public Library
1515 Forest Ave.
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.3809

Check out these upcoming events at Crete Public Library. Specific age groups or pre-registration details may be noted. Recurring event schedules may be altered due to holidays. Contact library staff for more information. (Click the gallery for more images)

• Current Library Calendar pdf - English 
• Current Library Calendar pdf - Español 

Upcoming Programs:

• Summer Reading Program Events 2026
• Trivia Night, Tuesday, July 7, 6:30 p.m. Disney Trivia Night at Old Main, 1103 Main Ave.
• Adult Craft Night: Miniature Book Nook, Thursday, July 9, 5:30 p.m. Create your own Book Nooks—miniature literary scenes that make the perfect addition to your bookshelf or home décor. Space is limited, contact the library to register.
• Paint Your Pet on Canvas, Saturday, July 11, 1 p.m. Submit a photo of your pet when registering and staff will help create a custom painting. Registration is required.
• Writer's Workshop, Friday, July 24, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Are you curious about creating picture books for and about your community? Learn about the publishing process, collaborate with fellow creators, and start your first book. Community members who are interested in participating as authors, photographers, illustrators, or librarians are invited to attend this writers workshop to bring local book creation to their community. Register online or scan the QR code in the image at right.

Recurring events:

• Brush and Bloom, Mondays during school year through April, 10-11 a.m. Open to all moms, no matter what stage of the journey you're in for a relaxing hour of art, conversation, and connection with other moms—no art skills (or clean shirts) required. Little ones are always welcome, feel free to bring your baby, toddler, or stroller crew along.
• Maker Monday, first and third Mondays of the month: Kits in May, June, and July will be dinosaur themed. Stop in and grab a to-go activity kit with everything you need (plus easy instructions) to make something fun at home. New kits drop the first and third Mondays of each month. Quantities are limited.
• Chair Yoga Classes, 8-week session on Wednesdays, starting Feb. 4, 9 a.m. Chair Yoga for ages 55 and over is designed to improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation. $2 per class, to register, call the library at 402-826-3809.
• Story Times start in September for the school year (schedule may be adjusted for holidays): Toddlers (ages 0-2) on Wednesdays and Preschool (ages 3-5) on Thursdays; both at 10 a.m. Summer Reading Program story times are listed on the event calenar.

Check out the library's book clubs:

• Thursday night Murder Club, Flights of Fantasy, Timeless Tales, Whispered Pages (silent book club)

Volunteers wanted:

• The library is looking for dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference in the community. Learn more...

Current library hours:

• Monday - Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Monday - Friday - Drive-thru window opens 8:30 a.m.
• Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Crete Public Library
1515 Forest Ave.
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.3809
crete.library@crete.ne.gov