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Council hears testimony on SWAT-related property damage; moves one denied claim back to pending
Summary
At a public hearing on claims against the city, residents described damage to rental property during a SWAT search; the council accepted the claims report and voted 6–1 to move the Antelope Creek Village HOA claim from denied back to pending while the contractor reimbursement is resolved.
The Lincoln City Council on Monday accepted its report of new and pending claims against the city for May 16–May 31, 2025, and heard testimony from residents who said city actions damaged private property during a police search.
Two people spoke during the public hearing. Brad Buffum, president of the Antelope Creek Village Townhome Owners Association, said a contractor contacted him before the meeting and agreed to reimburse a previously denied claim. He asked the council to move the association’s claim back to pending while the settlement is determined.
James Taylor, representing his mother, Audrey K. Taylor, described damage to a rental property at 1835 Lake Street that he said occurred during an October 2024 SWAT entry. Taylor said the search left “three holes” in a closet wall and that the waterline behind the wall was broken, requiring the water be turned off. He told the council the initial claim amount was listed as $140 but that the damage was likely greater.
Lily Eley, assistant city attorney, explained how the city evaluates tort claims involving police actions: the city examines whether officers acted within the course and scope of their employment and whether negligence occurred. Eley told the council that, after reviewing reports and speaking with officers, she did not believe negligence occurred in the incident described.
Councilmembers asked questions about whether a warrant existed and the factual basis for the officers’ actions. Councilmember Doodin said the SWAT service would have required judicial approval of a warrant and probable cause. After public testimony and legal explanation, the council voted on several procedural items.
The council voted to move the Antelope Creek Village Townhome Owners Association claim from denied to pending so staff can monitor whether a contractor reimburses the association; that procedural motion passed 6–1. The council then approved acceptance of the report of new and pending claims by a 7–0 roll call.
The council asked city legal staff to continue handling the claims process and to return when there is additional information on settlements or appeals.
