Senate advances bill giving cities option not to assess property owners for improvement districts

Senators advanced LB90 on the legislative consent calendar after brief floor discussion. Sponsor Senator Klaus said the measure would give cities of the first class the option — not the requirement — to assess adjacent property owners for costs of local improvement district projects such as sidewalks, siding replacement, and street repairs if the city can pay using other funds.

Klaus said the change mirrors existing options in class‑2 cities and villages and could save property owners significant costs in some situations. Senator Mosher asked whether the provision could be used to avoid assessments in late‑developed lots where initial infrastructure was not installed; Klaus said the bill leaves discretion to the city and will be situational.

The bill was advanced to Enrollment & Review‑Initial by voice vote; the clerk later recorded a 40‑0 advancement tally on the floor. If enacted, LB90 will be permissive language authorizing first‑class cities to fund improvement projects from city funds rather than mandatorily assessing adjoining property owners.