Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Greeley County adopts 2019–20 budget over protest after contested hearing
Loading...
Summary
After a lengthy Sept. 10 hearing with many residents opposing a proposed 42% increase in the property tax request, the three‑member board approved the advertised 2019–20 budget (Leslie and Foltz in favor; Goldfish opposed) and a separate vote to exceed the lid by 1% growth.
GREELEY COUNTY, Neb. — The Greeley County Board of Commissioners adopted the county’s 2019–20 budget on Sept. 10 after a public hearing that drew extensive public opposition and testimony from landowners and ratepayers.
County CPA Rick Martinsen presented the budget figures and told the board the proposed property tax request of $2,226,147 represented a 42% increase over the prior year. Dozens of residents testified at the hearing about tax impacts and local farm economy conditions; speakers included Russ Bloom and several landowners and producers who urged the board to reduce the levy.
After taking testimony the board closed the hearing and voted to adopt the budget as advertised. The minutes record the final motion as "Leslie moved to approve the 2019‑2020 budget as advertised second by Foltz. Roll Call Vote: Leslie: yes, Foltz: yes, Goldfish: no, motion carried." The board also voted to exceed the levy lid by an additional 1% to account for allowed growth.
Commissioners said the budget reflected post‑flood costs, infrastructure needs and contractual obligations; some members of the public urged more targeted cuts or use of reserve funds. The board’s approval allows the county to set the property tax request and proceed with the fiscal year’s appropriations.
Next steps: county staff will publish the adopted budget and levy certification and proceed with routine fiscal operations under the new appropriation authority.