Dundy County adopts 2023–24 budget and sets property tax request after public hearings

Dundy County commissioners concluded multiple public budget hearings in September 2023 and approved the county’s 2023–24 fiscal-year budget and property tax request.

The board held a joint public hearing on Sept. 18 to explain fund expenditures and the county’s request to exceed allowable growth; members of the public asked questions about staffing, equipment purchases and long-term tax impacts. Commissioners outlined that some functions — including the county attorney’s office and road department — showed line-item increases tied to staffing, equipment rotation and inflationary costs.

On Sept. 25 the board adopted Resolutions 76-2023-16 (appropriations) and 76-2023-17 (setting the property tax request) following the required public notice and hearings. County staff explained that previous larger transfers from the Inheritance Fund had been reduced to maintain recommended minimum reserves, which increased reliance on tax asking for the current year.

Board members and county staff documented the steps taken to compare the 2022–23 and proposed 2023–24 budgets, including reducing the clerk’s budget and adjusting jail and other functions. The board recorded that several residents asked about alternatives such as leasing equipment or extending replacement schedules to reduce the tax impact.

The board scheduled and approved final adoption votes in public session as required by Nebraska statute and set the County Budget Public Hearing date (Sept. 25) and the joint hearing notices consistent with state law.

What happens next: adopted budgets and tax requests were placed on file with the county clerk, and the board indicated it will continue to explore efficiencies — such as leasing or shared services — to control future increases.