Concerns over skyrocketing property taxes dominated the Joint Public Hearing for Douglas County on September 17, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations over significant tax increases. One speaker highlighted a staggering $440,000 hike, equating to a 25% rise in taxes, prompting urgent questions about fiscal responsibility and accountability from local leaders.

“I can’t just magically make up that money,” the speaker lamented, emphasizing the strain on families and the need for the county to consider the financial burden on its citizens. The sentiment echoed throughout the room, with many residents expressing their struggles to cope with rising valuations and some of the highest property taxes in the nation.

Scott Newman, another concerned resident, pointed out that Nebraska ranks among the highest in property taxes, suggesting that the county should aim for a more average tax rate. “Let’s try to be 25th or halfway,” he urged, advocating for alternative funding methods to alleviate the financial pressure on property owners.

Both speakers underscored a critical issue: despite efforts from state legislators to lower property taxes, rising valuations and spending have continued to escalate. “In the last five years, we’ve seen a 47% increase in property valuations,” Newman noted, stressing that while revenue has increased, spending has not kept pace with the need for fiscal restraint.

As the meeting concluded, the call for accountability and a reevaluation of budget priorities resonated strongly among attendees, leaving local leaders with a clear message: the community demands a more sustainable approach to taxation and spending.