By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Kevin Wilkins on our Kubota Podcast
OGALLALA — The Ogallala City Council appointed a new member Tuesday night and handled routine financial and transit business during a meeting that adjourned in about 30 minutes.
Kevin Clockman was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kevin Block. Clockman brings more than 30 years of service on the Ogallala Planning Commission and has been a resident of Ogallala for over four decades. He also owns a business in Oshkosh.
The appointment is temporary under Nebraska law.
“They're only appointed to serve until the next election cycle,” City Manager Kevin Wilkins said.
Clockman is the second council member appointed within the past year. Councilman Weddington previously returned to the council following the resignation of Councilman Dustin Holstein. Both Weddington and Clockman will appear on the November general election ballot for two-year terms, while Councilman Kraske and Councilman Laughlin will be on the ballot for four-year terms.
Wilkins clarified that an appointment does not automatically mean a place on the ballot.
“They'll still have to file,” he said.
Residents interested in serving on the council are encouraged to contact the county clerk’s office for filing information and deadlines.
Wilkins also emphasized the value of local government experience, noting that city councils and school boards provide firsthand understanding of budgeting, taxation and the complexities of governance.
The council also received its January financial report from the city clerk-treasurer. The monthly report allows department heads to track expenditures and enables the council to monitor revenue trends and overall spending. Wilkins said the city remains transparent with its financial reporting and that documents are available for public review.
In other action, the council approved two transit-related items. Resolution 2323 updates the city’s special fee schedule to remain compliant with Medicaid reimbursement requirements connected to transportation services.
The council also adopted the Federal Transit Administration Title VI Program for 2026. Wilkins described the Title VI plan as “a non-discrimination plan,” required to maintain eligibility for federal transit funding.
Both items were described as routine compliance measures tied to public transit operations.
The meeting began at 7 p.m. and adjourned at approximately 7:30 p.m.