(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council heard good news concerning electric rates and insurance rates when they met this week. 

The Council approved renewing the workers compensation and liability insurance with the League Association of Risk Management through the Nebraska League of Municipalities. By committing for three years the City received a five-percent discount. 

The workers comp insurance rate dropped $5-thousand. The total cost for workers comp and liability insurance for the next year will be $48-thousand.

Pat Hatfield with Nebraska Public Power District met with the Council.  He noted that as street lights burn out in Pawnee City, they are being replaced with LED lights which last longer and are cheaper to use.

Hatfield also provided good news about electric rates, informing Council members there will be no rate increase for the next year.  

On final reading the Council approved a three-percent cost of living pay increase for City employees.  The vote was 3-1 with Councilman John Dahlgren casting a nay vote.