Jon Pucket was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Crete on Thursday, Oct. 15.

He has a combined 33 years in law enforcement, having served with the Crete Police Department for the last 15 years, most recently as Acting Chief.

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, Oct. 20.

Condensed Minutes for Crete City Council Special meeting - Tuesday, Oct. 6:

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: September 28 City Council Special Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report 
• Claims against the City $1,390,431.31

Approved the Crete S&A Pay Estimate No. 4 from JEO Consulting Group Inc. for NLC LLC 2024 Crete Street and Alley Improvements. Unanimous 

Tabled the Special Event Permit (Street Closure). Unanimous 

Enacted Ordinance 2283 Setting Salaries and Wages for FY26-27. Unanimous 

Enacted Ordinance 2284 Amending 3-1102 ambulance service rate schedule adjustment. Unanimous 

Adopted Resolution 2026-25 Master Fee Schedule. Unanimous 

Approved the CentralSquare (Zuercher) Interlocal Agreement. Unanimous 

Tabled until next meeting approving the DANKO Bid for Emergency Equipment Apparatus Medix AL 171 mounted on a Ford F-550 4x4 Diesel in the amount of $361,015.20. Unanimous 

Officers’ Reports 

• Human Resources Coordinator Jennifer Torres introduced Sonia Ochoa as the City of Crete’s new Bookkeeper. 
• Chief of Police Jon Pucket stated the following:
  • Explained that he has been in communication with Emergency Manager John McKee.
  • The Crete Police Department did not get the overtime grant for the FY26-27.
  • Waiting to hear on the Taskforce grant for DUI that the Nebraska State Patrol applied for. 
• Library Director Jessica Wilkinson stated that the Crete Public Library has received a Silver Accreditation
• Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Assessing the flood damage at Tuxedo Park and brief closures
  • Campgrounds are now open
  • Co-ed softball games will be played this Sunday, October 11^t.
  • FoodBank of Lincoln will be at Tuxedo Park Thursday, October 22
  • The “Kickin’ It” Martial Arts program registration is now open until October 23. 
  • Girl Scouts helped with weeding at the Crete Public Library 
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerlad asked City Administrator Tom Ourada if there would be a possibility to advocate for FEMA funds to help with new restrooms at Tuxedo Park due to the flooding. 
• Building Inspector Trent Griffin provided the August 2026 Building Permit Log.
• Council members Kyle Frans, Ashley Newmyer, and Dale Strehle thanked everyone who helped with the Great Pumpkin Festival. Council member Anthony Fitzgerald thanked the Public Works Department for all their work after the flooding. 
• City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • The walk bridge at Tuxedo Park is damaged. 
  • The cemetery bridge is all cleared up.
  • The Tuxedo Park bridge has some large debris that need to be cleared up. 
  • Saline County Emergency Manager John McKee informed us that he has made a Disaster declaration.
  • There will be a City of Crete staff meeting on Wednesday, October 7^th, 2026 to cover the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and what each person’s responsibility and role is, making sure to clean that up and work on proficiency going forward. 
• Mayor Dave Bauer thanked all the departments for working together during the Great Pumpkin Festival and helping with the flooding. 

The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.

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 role of Police Patrol Sergeant. 

General functions: Assist the Police Captain. Anticipate, plan, develop, organize, implement, and supervise the police patrol services of the city. Supervise subordinate police officers, other employees, interns and volunteers. When necessary, fulfill the administrative and leadership duties of Captain and/or Chief in their absence. Report to the Captain. A full-time hourly position, subject to shift rotation status and being recalled to duty to meet essential government needs.

Minimum qualifications include: 

1. Possess a valid Nebraska driver’s license.
2. Must be at least 21 years of age.
3. Must be a certified law enforcement officer with the State of Nebraska.
4. If not Supervision certified, must complete the NLETC Supervision course (as offered) within one (1) year of hiring.
5. Must have a minimum of five (5) years law enforcement experience.
6. Must be a citizen of the United States.
7. Must meet all other requirements identified in the Crete Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

Necessary Special Requirements:

1. Must maintain a functioning mobile phone.
2. Evening, weekend and holiday hours required.
3. Rotating shifts may be required.
4. Travel for government purposes may be required.

Application packets will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16, 2026  and may be obtained from the link below or by contacting the Human Resources Coordinator at 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 application packet, which includes the following:

• Letter of instruction
• Application for employment
• Basic qualifications checklist
• Authorization for release of information
• Job Description/Essential functions

For additional inquiries, please contact:

Jennifer Torres, Human Resources Coordinator
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.4313
jobs@crete.ne.gov

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 Water Operator IV in the Public Works Department. Full-time, hourly position with benefits. General functions: Organize, and implement all aspects of maintaining City Water and Sewer Line Distribution systems. Reports to Water Department Superintendent. See full job description for more information.

Minimum qualifications include: 

• have high school diploma or GED;
• possess a valid driver’s license;
• be at least 18 years of age;
• be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• reside within 20 minutes of Crete, NE
• obtain State of Nebraska Water Operator’s Grade 1V and Backflow Grade VI Licenses within 24 months of employment. Failure to do so will result in termination of employment.

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:

Jennifer Torres, Human Resources Coordinator
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Crete NE 68333-0086
Phone: 402.826.4313 Fax: 402.826.6412
jobs@crete.ne.gov

(Updated Aug. 5)

Crete City Council considered an ordinance in July and August to amend city code adding regulations on E-bikes, minibikes, and other motorized recreational transportation and establishing penalties for violations. Ordinance 2279 was approved on the first and second readings at the July 7 and July 21 city council meetings, respectively. It was approved for a final reading and adopted at the regular council meeting on Aug. 4. Crete City Council meets regularly on the first and third Tuesdays each month.

• Crete City Council information
• City of Crete meeting agendas
• Proposed Ordinance 2279 (pdf)

Proposed regulations reference state statute and ordinances in other cities including Lincoln and Hastings. The full ordinance is available online (linked above) or at City Hall.

Crete's proposed ordinance addresses specific categories of bikes and motorized transportation based on a number of criteria, including wheel and tire diameter, engine/motor capacity, maximum speed, and pedal-assist functions.

In summary, the categories are:

• Class I E-bike: fully operative pedals; electric motor not exceeding 750 watts and no more that one brake horsepower capable of propelling the bike no more than 20 mph; only provides power when pedaling;
• Class II E-bike: fully operative pedals; electric motor not exceeding 750 watts and no more that one brake horsepower capable of propelling the bike no more than 20 mph; provides power whether or not rider is pedaling;
• Class III E-bike: fully operative pedals; electric motor not exceeding 750 watts and no more that one brake horsepower capable of propelling the bike no more than 28 mph; only provides power when pedaling; 
• *Minibike: two-wheeled vehicle; wheel and tire diameter less than 14 inches; engine output less than three horsepower; engine capacity less than 2,238 watts; primarily designed for off-road use only; does not include electric personal assistive mobility device
• language also defines motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, and lightweight e-scooter.

*Under Nebraska law it is illegal to ride electric or gas minibikes on public roadways and sidewalks and are only to be operated on private property. Crete's ordinance reflects this language and states "It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a minibike on the public streets, sidewalks, and alleys, or on any property owned, operated, or controlled by the City."

Proposed regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters include guidelines for safe riding, proper operation on roadways, required light and brake equipment, etc. 

The proposed ordinance also references prohibited riding on sidewalks with an exception for children: "No person shall ride a bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter upon a sidewalk within the business district. No person ten or more years of age shall ride a bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter on any sidewalk within the municipality. No person shall ride a class III e-bike on any sidewalk within the municipality. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter on a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right of way to pedestrians."

The full ordinance is available online (linked above) or at City Hall.

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Crete. Employment opportunities with the city and accompanying application materials and job descriptions will post in this section when they become available, including instructions on submitting application materials to the Human Resources Department. The City also participates in E-Verify, a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. 

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, Library, Business & Industry, and other community groups.)

Current job listing: applications accepted until positions are filled, unless otherwise noted

Police Patrol Sergeant - applications accepted until Nov. 16

Water Operator IV

For additional inquiries, please contact:  
Jennifer Torres, Human Resources Coordinator

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

The City of Crete, Nebraska has been awarded a below market interest loan from the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program for the construction of a new well and transmission main, as well as the re-placement of water mains in several locations. Federal and state funds are being used for this project to help grow our communities and to help grow Nebraska.

Work will commence the week of Aug. 31 in the Highway 103 South area. More details may be released when they become available.

• SRF Program information
• Project Announcement (pdf)