Douglas County joins four other large counties to adopt 2026 legislative priorities focused on property-tax relief

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted 7-0 on Jan. 13 to adopt a joint resolution with four other large Nebraska counties outlining legislative priorities for 2026, with an emphasis on comprehensive property-tax relief.

The resolution, presented by the chair and described as a coordinated position among Buffalo, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster and Sarpy counties, urges state lawmakers to pursue systemic reforms of tax rates, levies and property valuation while preserving counties’ ability to deliver state‑mandated services such as public health, mental health and public safety. It also calls for using inheritance‑tax revenue to offset property taxes and opposes state tax shifts that move costs onto county property taxpayers.

Commissioner Kavanaugh, speaking in support, described property‑tax relief as "the great white whale of every legislature" and said counties must balance cutting waste with finding new revenue streams so local services remain funded. He suggested examples of new revenue sources and pointed to other states’ experience with user‑tax approaches.

During public comment, Larry Storer urged the board to limit spending and questioned county associations’ role, saying he was "sort of against this resolution in general." Luis Jimenez asked for clarification about the phrase "advocacy teams," and the chair explained the term was intended to encompass different county capacities — from staff and board members in smaller counties to hired lobbyists in larger counties.

The board’s resolution text notes that the five counties together represent over 1.2 million residents (about 62% of Nebraska’s population) and instructs county advocacy teams to pursue passage of legislation consistent with the resolution during the 2026 legislative session. The board approved the resolution after the discussion with a unanimous vote.

The board did not adopt specific implementation steps in the meeting; staff and county advocacy partners will carry the resolution into the legislative session and bring subsequent bills and proposals back to the board for further review.