Many property owners are having sticker shock.  They have received their new property values and are wondering just how much more they will pay in taxes.  This all depends on the taxing bodies and whether or not they lower their “tax levy rate.”

It is vitally important that you contact your elected officials and ask them to lower their rates, or you will pay more in taxes.

Here is a quick update on a few taxing authorities:

Lincoln Public Schools

If LPS does not lower its levy, they will be taking another $32 million from the citizens of Lincoln.  Of the $32 million in new tax dollars, they intend to put $10 million into savings.  LIBA thinks that this is just too much.

Putting $10 million dollars into a savings account “in case the State cuts State Aid” is an extreme measure.  If LPS puts $10 million into savings, they are taking $10 million out of the Lincoln economy.  LIBA believes the $10 million would be put to better use by the citizens of Lincoln.  As you know, LPS has 43% of its students living in low income homes.  This is $10 million that could be used to purchase necessities and pay bills.

Address your email to LPS Board of Education and send it to lmaxwel@lps.org.

Lancaster County Board

The County Commissioners have been working on a $7 million budget gap. The gap is closing, but they still need to find millions in savings, cuts or new taxes.  The commissioners may ask their department heads to cut 10% from their “increased funding” requests.  This sounds like a good start to me! I encourage you to contact your County Commissioner and ask them to find the savings so that they can lower their levy.  (commish@lancaster.ne.gov)

Lower Platte South NRD

I would like to thank the Lower Platte South NRD Board of Directors for lowering its property tax levy last year.

This year, their preliminary budget forecast shows that they would NOT take any additional tax dollars from property assessment re-evaluations.  This is a laudable goal and shows great restraint.  LIBA sincerely hopes that the NRD Board will take this opportunity to again lower their tax levy.

The Lower Platte South NRD is only 1.78% of the Lincoln property tax levy.  While this is a small portion of the total levy rate, a reduction by the NRD Board is greatly appreciated.

I recognize and support the valuable work of the NRD Board and would like to thank them for their service. Encourage them to lower their levy again this year by emailing lpsnrd@lpsnrd.org.

 LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community.  If you have an interest in joining LIBA, please call me at 466-3419.  LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses.  We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.