Lancaster County Board of Equalization approves 2026 tax exemptions, grants People’s City Mission full exemption

The Lancaster County Board of Equalization approved a slate of 2026 property tax exemption decisions at a brief meeting Tuesday, including a full exemption for People’s City Mission after an assessor update.

Jacob Van Pelt, County Assessor/Register of Deeds Administrative Deputy, told the board that the office's recommendations from the May 19 public hearing remained unchanged except for People’s City Mission’s application. Van Pelt said the organization “has demonstrated sufficient progress and permit activity to establish exclusive use of the property” even though final plans had not yet been submitted to Building and Safety; the Assessor’s Office revised its recommendation for parcel 10-23-326-002 from denial to approval.

Following Van Pelt’s update, the board voted on multiple motions. Commissioner Matt Schulte moved and Vice Chair Chelsea Johnson seconded approval of the 2026 451 partial exemptions per the Assessor/Register of Deeds recommendations; the motion carried 5-0. Schulte then moved and Commissioner Sean Flowerday seconded approval of a full exemption for People’s City Mission; that motion also passed 5-0. The board subsequently approved the recommended denials by a 5-0 vote as well.

Earlier on the agenda the board approved the minutes from its May 19 meeting and agreed to the listed additions and deductions to the county tax assessment rolls; both routine items passed on unanimous votes. The meeting opened at 9:57 a.m., the Clerk noted compliance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, and adjourned at 10:02 a.m. No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.