(KLZA)-- Following a lengthy discussion Monday night, the Falls City Council approved on second reading an ordinance authorizing and providing for the issuance of combined utilities revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $20 million.

Council member Kenny Killingsworth asked if the city would be able to pay off those bonds. It was explained the bonds will be paid off from utility rate funds.

Councilman Derek Leyden noted if the city does not approve the bonding on all three readings, the $15 million in funding from the State of Nebraska to help pay for the project bringing additional power to Falls City would never again be available, calling it a once-in-a lifetime opportunity.

The ordinance passed unanimously with Council member Joe Buckminster absent from the meeting.

Council members split 3-3 on a resolution to authorize Farris Engineering as the Owners Authorized Representative for the Energy Forward Transmission Project, as recommended by the Board of Public Works and Public Works Director Trevor Campbell.

The project is designed to improve the city's electrical system capacity, enhance grid reliability and support economic growth.

Mayor Mark Harkendorff broke the tie to approve the proposal with nay votes cast by Kenny and Frank Killingsworth and Shawn Fouraker.

The cost for the company's services is not to exceed $84,375.

During the Administrators report, Anthony Nussbaum noted that the project to place overhead utilities underground in alley's in the downtown area has resumed.

Work is beginning in the alley in the 1700 block between Chase Street and Stone Street. Work on the project is expected to take another 12 - 18 months to complete.