The Shelby Betterment Corporation, a non-profit organization, was organized in 1987 with 20 stockholders. The corporation has helped finance new business ventures within the community and attract new businesses. The corporation also strengthens the community through smaller projects.

There are many other organizations within the community that contribute to the quality of life in Shelby. These organizations are served by members of all ages.

Local Government
The Village of Shelby is governed by a Board of Trustees. Municipal officials include a Board Chairperson and four Board members who are elected for a term of four years. Polk County has 14 townships and is governed by three county commissioners elected by popular vote for four-year terms.

The Village of Shelby is a member of the Mid-State Interlocal Communities. The communities of Shelby, Stromsburg, Gresham, Benedict, Hampton, Bradshaw, and Polk comprise the membership for the organization. The communities meet on a quarterly basis and are working toward further sharing of resources to improve operations and services to the communities.

Low Income Apartments
Shelby Village Apartments, built in 1995, contains eight units (four single-bedroom and four double-bedroom); one unit is handicapped accessible. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Contact Darla Hopwood at (402) 527-5198 for more information.

Parrish Apartments, built in 1970, contains nine units for low-income families.

New Century Villa, built in 2000, contains two- and three-bedroom duplex units for low income families. Contact Justin Shavlik at (402) 747-2251 for more information.

Housing
Many new home and renovation activities have been completed during the past few years. A majority of the new homes are located in Southwood Subdivision on the south end of town.

The Village of Shelby operates a Down Payment Assistance program and a Rehabilitation Revolving Loan program. The programs are funded through CDBG funds received from the Department of Economic Development. The Village Office administers the programs. Contact Darla Hopwood, Village Clerk, at (402) 527-5198 with any questions or for further information.

Shelby Public Library
The Shelby Public Library was established in 1988. Currently the Library has 5,723 volumes of books, 8 periodicals, 606 videos, 132 audio tapes, and over 30 computer programs (CD-ROM) including Internet access for the community to enjoy. The Library participates in inter-library loans with the Northeast Library System. The Library's annual circulation was 7,441 for the year 2000.

The Library does many activities throughout the year including: winter story hour, summer reading program, book fair, holiday games and recreation, and quilting and craft fairs. The Library lets clubs and organizations (Cadette Girl Scouts, T.O.P.S., and Quilters) use their facilities for meetings.

The Library's business hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours change for the summer. Contact Librarian Laura Alt at (402) 527-5181 for more information.

Police/Fire
Shelby's law enforcement includes one Sheriff, five sworn officers, and seven support personnel. The Shelby Volunteer Fire Department is manned by 30 volunteer firemen and provides protection for the village of Shelby as well as areas outside the community limits. The Fire Department is equipped with one pumper, two tankers and one quick-response pickup. The community fire insurance classification inside the corporate limits is 7 and outside the corporate limits is 10.

Senior Center
The Shelby Senior Center had new facilities built in 1995. The Center provides noon meals, meals-on-wheels, a handi-bus, quilting, crafts, cards, bingo, pedicures, and programs. The facilities include: a kitchen, pool table, T.V. and VCR, piano, and magazines. The facilities are available for rent for functions (parties, graduations, anniversaries, etc.), contact Phyllis Schlesinger for more information at (402) 527-5158.

Delivery Services
In 1996, the US Postal Service built a new facility in Shelby. There is one daily mail receipt and dispatch. Services that the Shelby Post Office offer are: box rentals, express mail, priority mail, first class, parcel post, International express, registered and certified mail. Other package delivery services available include UPS and FedEx.