Budget time
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Kurt Johnson
Some critical decisions lie head in the next few weeks for elected officials tasked with approving budgets in the midst of turbulent economic times.
Though Nebraska has weathered the pandemic storm and supply chain challenges far better than some states, our local economy has been impacted. Some sectors have experienced a surge, some report relatively little change, while others have suffered cuts to the bone.
The impact all of this will have on total tax receipts continues to unfold. Regardless, budgets and tax levies will be discussed and approved in the next few weeks, which means city, county, area village and school boards will be making critical decisions on taxpayers’ behalf.
What we don’t know is how long this unprecedented economic turmoil will last. What we do know with absolutely certainty is that “business as usual” is no longer a relevant term.
Complicating the conversations, in my view, is the fact that property valuations sent out in late March reflected substantial increases, due in part to what County Assessor Pat Sandberg said was a long-overdue reappraisal of more than 200 commercial properties in Aurora. Values in housing subdivisions along the Platte River, as well as Platteview Estates near the Hall County border, also saw significant increases, all adding up to a record $3.01 billion total valuation.
On the surface, that makes it look like there is more money in the coffers, seemingly there to be spent, which is a dangerous if not completely false premise. There are so many uncertainties facing elected officials in this era. However, there should be an equally pressing concern regarding taxpayers’ ability to fund local government operations.
It’s important to focus on the tax asking number in those budgets, not the tax levy itself. Simple math tells you that leaving the levy the same or even dropping it slightly can add up to drastic spending increases when multiplied by the valuation in specific jurisdictions. Aurora 4R Public Schools’ total valuation, for example, went up $92 million in a single year, thus a flat levy pencils out to a significant jump in tax asking. Those are the numbers that matter to local residents and business owners.
Elected board members deserve to hear from you, the taxpayers, about how you feel on this issue. Citizens have that opportunity during budget hearings, which typically draw little if any feedback.
As always, the News-Register will publish budget notices and report the final totals and tax levies, but the best way to impact those numbers is for citizens to engage in the process and let your voice be heard before, not after you get your tax bill.
-- Kurt Johnson
