Douglas County Board denies late tax-exemption application; public voice concerns over exemptions

The Douglas County Board of Equalization voted Feb. 10 to deny a late-filed 2025 tax-exemption application and approved a block of resolutions and schedule items by unanimous voice vote.

Staff from the assessor’s office told commissioners the applicant for item C — identified in discussion as North Omaha Church of God in Christ — failed to file a required 2025 application despite multiple certified-mail reminders. "We have recommended denial because it's out of time," said a county staff member representing the assessor's office.

Following staff remarks, resident Larry Storer spoke during public comment, saying he had compiled "a list of 16 different tax exempt properties around Douglas County" and criticized perceived uneven application of exemptions. Storer said he resented that other property owners receive multiple exemptions while his property does not.

Commissioner Morgan moved and Commissioner Rogers seconded the motion to approve the minutes and set a hearing date where required, and the board later took a single vote to adopt items C through G (including the staff-recommended denials) by voice vote; recorded responses were unanimous.

Why it matters: tax-exemption and certified-assessment corrections can change taxable values and county revenue. The board's unanimous votes resolved the immediate administrative items; the staff recommendation to deny the late-filed exemption preserves statutory deadlines and limits retroactive relief when applications are untimely.

What’s next: the board set March 3, 2026, as a hearing date for certified-assessment corrections where required and will carry routine administrative items forward as scheduled.