Sarpy County Board of Equalization approves homestead exemption for Troy Peterson

The Sarpy County Board of Equalization on Aug. 5 approved a homestead exemption application for Troy Peterson, a 100% service-connected disabled veteran, after a family member testified Peterson has lived in the home and contributed financially since mid‑2023.

Heather Cronk Anselmo, who said she is married to Peterson and will soon use the last name Peterson, told the board that Peterson received a 100% disability rating in 2018 and has multiple sclerosis that affects him daily. She said Peterson has lived at the property at Lot 159, Fontenelle (Parcel 010477594) since June 2023, has contributed financially and physically to the home, and was added to the deed June 25, 2025. The assessor had denied the application because the applicant was not the recorded owner on Jan. 1, 2025, the date the assessor used to determine eligibility.

The board asked questions about the marriage date, how long Troy had lived at the address, and when his name was added to title. Cronk Anselmo said the couple was married June 20 and that Troy’s name was added to the title on June 25 of this year. She said the family filed before the June 30 deadline and had provided bills and a letter documenting residency.

After the testimony, Commissioner Warren moved to approve the homestead exemption application for Lot 159, Fontenelle (Parcel 010477594) on the grounds that the applicant had contributed financially since June 2023, is permanently disabled, is a permanent resident and has a bona fide ownership interest in the property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Burmeister and carried on a 5‑0 voice vote.

Board members apologized to the family for the difficulty of the process and noted the issue of the Jan. 1 ownership requirement may be raised with state legislators in the coming session. The board said final administrative processing remains subject to state review.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve homestead exemption for Troy Peterson — motion by Warren; second by Burmeister; outcome: approved; tally: yes 5, no 0.

Clarifying details: the property is Lot 159, Fontenelle, Parcel 010477594; Troy Peterson’s name was placed on the deed on June 25, 2025 (as stated by the applicant’s witness); the family says Peterson has lived at the address since June 2023 and the homestead filing was submitted prior to the June 30 deadline.

What happens next: County staff said the ultimate administrative acceptance is determined by state processes; board members said they will raise the issue with state legislators to consider changing the ownership-date requirement.