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Beutler budget proposes property tax increase

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By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Jul 03, 2008 - 06:14:47 pm CDT

Saying he has cut the budget as far as he can without jeopardizing swimming pools, library hours and other crucial city services, Mayor Chris Beutler proposed a 1-cent increase in the city property tax levy on Thursday.

The $1.5 million generated by the tax increase would be enough to bridge what’s left of what started out as a nearly $6 million budget gap.

If — and it’s a big if — the City Council goes along with the proposed tax increase, the owner of a $150,000 home would pay another $15 annually.

Story Photo
Mayor Chris Beutler

Related Media

Mayor's city budget proposal

These slides are from a Powerpoint presentation from Mayor Chris Beutler outlining his proposed city budget. (Courtesy document)...

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City of Lincoln Web site
Highlights of Beutler’s budget
  • The mayor proposes a 1-cent increase in the city property tax rate.
  • The city assumes a 1 percent increase in the city property tax base.
  • The city budget would increase 2.6 percent, from $132 million to $135 million.
  • Beutler proposes $120,000 in fee increases for parks, planning and health department services - including a 25-cent increase in pool fees.
  • The budget assumes a 4 percent increase in water and wastewater rates next year.
  • The mayor would eliminate 65 full-time equivalent positions out of the city’s work force of about 2,000.
By the numbers

* Since 1991, Beutler said, the city's population has grown 27.6 percent. Its area has grown 39.7 percent. At the same time, the city’s number of non-public safety employees has dropped by 74 positions.

More information

Beutler will present his budget message to the City Council at 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 7 in the City Council Chambers. The presentation will be carried live on 5 CITY-TV, the government access cable channel.

Beutler put it this way: For the owner of the average Lincoln home, the increase would be the equivalent of the cost of a bottle of pop per month.

And it would be the first increase in the city’s property tax rate — aside from voter-approved bond issues — in nearly 15 years. The city’s tax rate has dropped 45 percent since 1993.

The alternative is to close pools, cut library branch hours and eliminate school resource officers, Beutler said.

His $135 million budget proposal — which must be approved by the City Council — increases spending by 2.6 percent. That’s assuming, as other taxing entities have, a paltry 1 percent increase in the property tax base, although final figures won’t be in until August.

Beutler also is proposing $120,000 in fee increases for parks, planning and health department services — including a 25-cent increase in pool fees. The budget also assumes a 4 percent increase in water and wastewater rates next year.

While the proposed tax increase will get most of the attention, Beutler erased the city’s shortfall primarily with budget cuts that include the following.

* Eliminating 65 full-time equivalent positions out of the city’s work force of about 2,000. That’s 20 more than Beutler projected he would cut in mid-June. Many of the jobs will disappear through restructuring, retirements or unfilled vacancies, but roughly 12 to 15 would be pure layoffs, unless they find jobs elsewhere in city government.

* Of those 65 positions, 10 will come from StarTran bus ranks, although some would be unfilled vacancies.

* Reducing StarTran bus service by three hours midday on most routes during non-peak times.

* Reducing city funding for before- and after-school programs at Community Learning Centers by $273,000, as he earlier announced.

* Closing Bennett Martin Public Library at 6 p.m. rather than 9 p.m. on most weekdays. Five library positions would be eliminated.

* Ending city funding of the Meadow Heights swimming pool. The city is exploring possible operation of the pool by a private group.

A tight budget makes it tough for the mayor to propose many new programs or expenditures, but he does propose to:

* Spend $150,000 to study fire and rescue coverage areas and response times.

* Spend $25,000 to start a graffiti removal program.

* Tap into a little-used $10 million Special Assessment Revolving Fund to create a one-stop development shop at city hall and create an economic development kitty.

* Spend $610,000 on a home ownership stimulus package — people who buy new homes could get grants of $1,000 or more.

* Expand the Ride for Five discount bus program for low-income riders by expanding income eligibility.

Beutler said the budget is being strained by inflation, rising utility costs and skyrocketing fuel costs.

And although his budget assumes average 2.39 percent raises, which would cost $3 million, actual raises are likely to be higher because five of the city’s six unions are still negotiating labor contracts.

And if the City Council chooses not to go along with Beutler’s proposed tax increase — as four Republican members have indicated — it will have to find $1.5 million in cuts or revenue.

Some council members have indicated interest in dipping into the city’s $10 million Special Assessment Revolving Fund. The fund is not used as often as in past years, and Beutler wants to use about $8 million of it for the economic development kitty.

Council Chairwoman Robin Eschliman said she believes the city should follow the direction given by Lincolnites surveyed by Beutler earlier this year. Only 15 percent said they’d support a tax increase, while 34 percent said to cut spending and 42 percent said to find some other solution.

“The scientific results gave very clear direction as to what the citizens want,” Eschliman said in a prepared statement. “I will be watching to see that the wishes of the people are carried out.”

Beutler vehemently opposes any council inclination to use such one-time revenue sources as the Special Assessments fund for ongoing budget needs. He says the city has gotten itself into a budgetary bind by plugging budget holes with such temporary sources of cash.

But Eschliman said she takes “great exception” to his characterization of using the Special Assessments fund as a gimmick.

“The savings account does not belong to Chris Beutler,” she said. “It belongs to the people.”

The council will begin dissecting the budget in detail next week, and must approve a final budget in August.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


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Good job Mayor wrote on July 3, 2008 12:28 pm:
" I'm all for it and stand behind you 100 percent. "

 Raise them higher wrote on July 3, 2008 12:30 pm:
" Seriously? 1 cent? It should be more like $1.00 and he could hire additional LPD officers, firefighters, and parks people to mow! I guess a penny is a start - hopefully next year they will raise them to where they should be. Good start Mr. Mayor! "

 Mike wrote on July 3, 2008 12:32 pm:
" This is very reasonable. The focus on taxes needs to be on the SCHOOLS!!! City only accounts for 15% of the taxes on our property, the schools account for more than 60% so don't focus on the little guy taking our dollars, focus where it really matters. Mayor B has done a great job so far! "

 I wrote on July 3, 2008 12:34 pm:
" Here we go again. *sigh*. Is it possible that some of that increase will go to buy 1000 laptops for city officials? "

 surprise wrote on July 3, 2008 12:34 pm:
" Didn't take long for the taxes to rise under him!! "

 stignob wrote on July 3, 2008 12:36 pm:
" Yes, raise them higher and see the mass exodus from Lincoln, as it's already happening because we can't keep the decent paying jobs... "

 figures wrote on July 3, 2008 12:36 pm:
" Didn't his public polling tell him not to raise property taxes? Thanks for listening to the people. "

 Shocking wrote on July 3, 2008 12:38 pm:
" A Democrat proposes a tax increase! Now there's a headline for ya. Actually, I don't have any problem with a 1 cent or even a 5 cent increase, if it will help fund things to develop the economy, like the arena/convention center project, Antelope Valley, etc. What I DO have a problem is LPS taking it's cut of 63% of the property tax levy and using it for wasteful purposes. Please pay attention at the next election for school board. Get rid of these money hounds! "

 sam wrote on July 3, 2008 12:45 pm:
" $15 here, $15 there, 3 more cents for gas, higher food costs, higher utilites, cable, and telephone. It never ends, and no one ever takes into account what the other branches of government are doing. "

 darned if you do... wrote on July 3, 2008 12:48 pm:
" I'm glad to see that the Mayor is focused on what is best for the city and not worried about getting elected next term. Sometimes that means it might cost us a little but in order to keep what we have we are all going to have to pay a little more. A penny? that's nothing, I bet the biggest complaints come from those driving their suv's that they put $100 of gas in to sit in the Starbuck's drive-thru to pay $5.00 a shot for their latte's. "

 D.A. wrote on July 3, 2008 12:57 pm:
" I support this 1 cent increase to balance the budget. $15 a year - anyone who can't place this in perspective and see the reasoning is a fool. If you think taxes are too high you CANNOT blame the City, high taxes falls on LPS.


Nice job Mayor. "

 Chip wrote on July 3, 2008 1:01 pm:
" Complaints about being overtaxed will surface, but it is just another bunch of whiners. They think nothing of spending thousands of $'s on TV, cell phones and internet each year, but God forbid we need $15 for the betterment of our city. If you're complaining about $15 a year, you are crazy. That's the cost of one movie (w/food), a few packs of cigarettes, two people at McDonalds, etc . . . You get what you pay for and if you are unwilling to pay for anything, you get nothing. Thanks for having some guts Mr. Mayor. "

 Alan wrote on July 3, 2008 1:05 pm:
" I stand against the tax hike. He cites unfunded mandates from the state. When he was a state senator he voted for those mandates, fix them. Doesn't want to use one time funds for ongoing expenses? Fine, use the money for the purpose it was collected: roads, sidewalks, storm water and street improvements. Restructure to become more efficient? What does that have to do with raising taxes?

How about expanding the tax base. Put the baseball stadium on the tax rolls in porportion to the private use (Saltdogs). Put the daycare facilities and parking lots of churches on the tax rolls. Revoke the "educational" exemption for union halls that engage in political activities. Don't forget the $27 million that's leaving Lincoln every year with the state fair.

Let's put a voluntary donation line on the property tax statement. That way everyone who thinks they are "undertaxed" can correct that oversight. In fact why don't we vote for future bond issues on our property tax bills? "

 Good job mayor.. wrote on July 3, 2008 1:08 pm:
" I commend Mayor Beutler for willing to raise the property taxes during this time of budget problems but I think we should become a bit less reliant on property taxes over the long haul. A small, and I emphasize small, personal income tax might help and maybe slightly increasing the sales tax on hotels would help. Perhaps the city could increase taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, but leave the sales tax on everything else alone. The LPD could help themselves by charging a fuel surcharge on all speeding tickets (Atlanta started doing this). Also, perhaps the Lincoln Cares program could try and raise more money for parks and trails. If all residences and commercial businesses donated $1 a month, we could have $1.5 million per year. Granted, that is a highly unrealistic goal but increased donations toward that program would help ease the burden of the city's budget. Here's another idea: Let's start charging trash and waste by weight. People who are frugal and recycle and/or compost would have to pay very little and people who don't care to do these things can pay for it. Minimizing trash into the landfill will save us money in the long run, so why not implement this now. One last idea: Increase parking fines, bump up the meter costs a hair as well as the parking garage costs. I'm not advocating a major increase- just a small one. Put that money into the bus system so we have a nice, reliable bus system should gas become so high that the average person can't afford to drive. Times are changing folks and it's time we start planning for the future. "

 property tax wrote on July 3, 2008 1:10 pm:
" if people leave Lincoln for paying $15 more per year then they are misguided especially since the city has only cut their portion of our property taxes as stated in the article

the real entity that keeps our property taxes high is LPS, where is the citizen review committee there to provide honest feedback to LPS on where they can cut and to tell them that we don't need lavish schools with atriums and 20 gyms "

 Kevin wrote on July 3, 2008 1:11 pm:
" I think that is a more than fair increase.

But while we're evaluating property taxes, could we please re-visit the property tax percentage allocations?

I think LPS does a good job, but the fact that they receive well over half of the funds raised by property taxes seems quite lop-sided. "

 whats a penny wrote on July 3, 2008 1:12 pm:
" What's a penny increase?? Most people will spend more than a dollar twenty-five on a cup of coffee in a month. To continue to make Lincoln a safe city we need to sacrifice a little. I would much rather pay $1.25/month more and have services and safety than risk losing these things. A "mass exodus" from the city, then those people weren't really Lincolnites to begin with. Looks like "stignob" got his wish...losing more jobs rather than raising taxes too much as the mayor is cutting more jobs! "

 Chico wrote on July 3, 2008 1:15 pm:
" It's ridicules, that is the easy way out to raise taxes, especially when we already pay 50% in tax (including gas tax, sales tax, property tax, payroll tax and verious other city mandated fees)in Nebraska. Mayor come up with something unique people are tired of same story year after year. Move outside the city limits will be very attractive possibility. "

 Its About Time wrote on July 3, 2008 1:16 pm:
" I'm all for the tax increase, too, and think it should be more. We're already losing valuable services that shouldn't be cut. Those losses hurt the quality of life in Lincoln and people leave because of that, too. "

 Congrats Mayor wrote on July 3, 2008 1:21 pm:
" I too support the Mayor's decision! While I'm not a fan of raising taxes for ANY reason, there comes a time for these decisions to be made for the LONG term support of the City's core needs. By continuing to cut here & there, we will lose more services which will drive people out of the town faster than will the thought of what you get out of your additional $15/year. The Mayor needs to focus in on the fact that City government only sees 14% of the tax base... there are other agencies that continue to raise taxes, while not having to cut to the bone.

Thanks for looking out for the long-term needs of the City & not induldging the "no tax hike at any expense" minority! "

 Sam wrote on July 3, 2008 2:13 pm:
" All you supporting the mayor are missing the point...the $15 increase in and of itself isn't much, but when you factor in ALL the increases that Joe Middle-Class has had to stomach this past year, it makes $15 more a little harder to swallow. Where does it end?
We have an overflowing jail...why don't we utilize some of those offenders to supplement city services and cut our taxes instead of letting them just sit there, get three square meals a day, and watch cable T.V.? Make them mow the parks. "

 john q wrote on July 3, 2008 2:18 pm:
" Why can't LPS be allitle more prudent with their cut of the property tax money. Why aren't they cutting, instead of growing bigger. "

 Spin Machine wrote on July 3, 2008 2:20 pm:
" According to the 'positive' responses here, its clear beutlers spin machine was preemptive, storming the message board early and often with the communist neighborhood association talking points. They are a well-organized political machine and do not represent the views of homeowners at large. "

 Stan wrote on July 3, 2008 2:21 pm:
" Please explain to me why we have shortfalls when it comes to money in this city. When a new home is sold should that not increase tax revenue. So where is all the money going. I ve said many times we need to conduct aidits when there is a change in office. Look at what the state auditor has discovered. Government is at a all time low. I wonder why. Who are you to believe. I ve lived in Lincoln for all my 61 years I dont plan on leaving but enough is enough. Come on people lets stop the bleeding. "

 Insulting wrote on July 3, 2008 2:26 pm:
" Its insulting that the mayor and his propaganda crew (very active on this board) try to break down the cost in terms of a can of soda, etc...like we cant figure that out on our own. Why don't you just admit you failed in balancing the budget...you failed on your campaign promise...instead of adding insult to injury. "

 Seriously wrote on July 3, 2008 2:32 pm:
" Spend $150,000 to study fire and rescue coverage areas and response times. (MORE $$ TO MAYORS CONSULTANT FRIENDS)

* Spend $25,000 to start a graffiti removal program.(GET THE CRIMINALS TO REMOVE IT/PAY FOR IT)

* Tap into a little-used $10 million Special Assessment Revolving Fund to create a one-stop development shop at city hall and create an economic development kitty.(WE ALREADY HAVE THESE RESOURCES IN THE CHAMBER and DED)

* Spend $610,000 on a home ownership stimulus package, where people who buy new homes could get grants of $1,000 or more. (WHY?? if they can afford to by a new home, why give them $1000??) "

 Even More Shocking Knee Jerk wrote on July 3, 2008 2:33 pm:
" Why cant we have a Republican mayor? I want a tax cut. Why can't we just pass all deficits and debts down to our kids and grandkids? "

 J wrote on July 3, 2008 2:34 pm:
" Wait til you see the tax increase for never will be profitable "arena". "

 Fred wrote on July 3, 2008 2:35 pm:
" Watching home prices drop, as neighbors and friends from the near South to Trendwood tell, the increase may not even balance the budget. We’ll have to see if the assessor’s office masks this erosion of prices when we receive next years statement. "

 Ej wrote on July 3, 2008 2:37 pm:
" I don't have a problem with an increase if it is really needed. I don't agree with 600,000 for a homeoner stimulus package when you are laying people off. I don't agree with all the studies we pay hundreds of thousands of dollers on. We need to be using our city employees wisely. Why do we need to pay for all these studies when we have city departments that can handle these tasks. We need to look at being more efficient not a hacking the heck out of all the services. "

 Kevin wrote on July 3, 2008 2:38 pm:
" Sam - The fact is the city is just as affected by the same increases as you and I. So how do we justify keeping the same expectations of the city and it's programs knowing they're spending more on fuel and other costs just like you and I? "

 LFR wrote on July 3, 2008 2:43 pm:
" Why are we spending 150K on seeing how fast LFR responds. Have we had any complaints and its not like LFR does much other then a few stations anyway. My neighbor is a Fireman who brags about going to work for 24hrs and not leaving his station at all. he has told me this several dozens of times for the past few years we have lived here. "

 hh wrote on July 3, 2008 2:43 pm:
" to all you do-gooders who support the increase in property taxes - perhaps you would like to pay my share! I currently pay well over $200 per MONTH in property taxes, add sales tax,gas tax, utility tax, phone tax,all servic taxes and that ain't hay. Please someone step up and JUST SAY NO ! "

 Income tax next wrote on July 3, 2008 2:46 pm:
" This is just a precursor to more taxes including a local income tax -- the political action neighborhood group is advocating one just as the property tax hike. Just think, this is his first year...a lot of time for more excuses to raise taxes. its in his liberal blood. "

 I just wrote on July 3, 2008 2:47 pm:
" don't know where the city hasn't raised taxes in 15 years. Every year I lived there they went up. It's like the nebraska legislature, they just don't know how to get money without taxing more. Some states have laws against taxing the people without their approval. I live in one of them. This type of behavior is why people dislike the city and the state so much. Wake up mayor and govenor or you will be left with the great american grass desert. "

 NO wrote on July 3, 2008 2:56 pm:
" Come on mayor! NO to higher taxes. There is no reason to take more of MY money. The citizens of Lincoln work hard to earn their salaries, and I'm tired of Lincoln thinking they can continue to take more when ever the city thinks they need/want more of MY money. I don't care the amount. The amount isn't the point, the point is taking more of MY money. Many of the things the mayor is calling to fund are NOT rights to Lincolnites or Americans. They simply are wants.

People always know better how to spend their own money than what government does. They never earn anything on the amount of money they take from me. I can better invest (even $15) and return more to me than what the city will ever pay/give me.

Closing pools, libraries, and not mowing parks is always the first thing mentioned. Why? Those things affect our children the most, so if they are mentioned first and most leaders can begin right away at pulling at the hearts of citizens...."the poor children." I have children and care about them but this is just the same old reasons to always raise taxes.

NO to higher taxes! "

 fools wrote on July 3, 2008 2:57 pm:
" He is running for office that's why it's only a penny, otherwise it should be more, wait till next year.
The question is will he stay or will he run for governor?
It wasn't a hard decission, he had to raise taxes but at who's expense the ones who really need it take from us to give to developers, take from us to give to the non profits. "

 what is stopping you wrote on July 3, 2008 2:59 pm:
" Those of you who are for paying higher taxes, what is stopping you today from paying more. Get your cash and checkbooks out, right the $15.00 check and take it down to city hall. Why stop at $15. Many of you wanting to have taxes raised sound like you can afford much more so don't stop with $15. Nothing prevents you or citizens of Lincoln from giving more of your money to the government anytime you want. They will take your money, so please, don't wait to see if this proposal passes, go give all you can today. "

 Rodger wrote on July 3, 2008 3:10 pm:
" If we have to increase property tax for essential services, I think we should make sure those essential services are being provided efficiently. We actually pay on duty firefighters to exercise. Lets put a bunch of mowers on a trailer and have a highschool kid meet firefighters at a park. They could exercise (mow) and be available for fires at the same time. In this day of high fuel prices, it might be time to re-evaluate using fire department vehicles to shop for groceries. Most of the fire fighters are well educated individuals who have to absorb a large body of information to do their job. Maybe they should add in the need to shop during the 20 days a month the are not at the station

Developers don't ride busses so cutting StarTran, which is actually an efficient operation, so we can fund benefits for developers makes sense. "

 Mike wrote on July 3, 2008 3:24 pm:
" Calm down about the schools get the most of your property tax screaming - remember that the city also gets to use a local sales tax.

On the budget I would like to not spend $150k on the fire and rescue study and instead put that toward our community learning centers for kids. "

 JR wrote on July 3, 2008 3:43 pm:
" Didn't take long for the No Tax Nonsense replies to hit. And the thing is, all these people who voted for every politician who promised to cut taxes are the main reason we are in this mess. Too many irresponsible politicians wanting to get elected knowing the only way they can is by cutting taxes. And what doe sthat do for us? Well, on a federal level, it increases our debt and deficit to record levels as well as the amount of debt owned by foreign countries, such as China. On the city level, it means such a tight budget, we are forced to close pools, leaves parks unmowed, and cuts other essentials. Or, we pass the debt onto our children. I was raised to pay as I go. Obviously, some of you are more than willing to take what has been given us by our predecessors and squander it away, leaving the mess for our children and grandchildren. I am not. Mr Mayor, I accept your $15 a year tax, willingly. "

 Check Your Math wrote on July 3, 2008 3:50 pm:
" It's not a penny increase. It's a penny for every one hundred dollars. That is one hundredth of a percent.

I don't think that's enough to do any good considering property values are sliding down nationwide at a greater percentage, which therefore will decrease revenue funds. And wouldn't it be safe to assume that those property owners that are defaulting on their mortgage aren't even bothering to pay their property taxes. Another loss of anticipated revenue. "

 Jan wrote on July 3, 2008 4:00 pm:
" Will all you no more tax whiners just stop. Taxes are the price we pay for living in the U.S. If you don't like it move to Somalia or some other country where they don't collect taxes. Every civilized country taxes and ours are not that bad. You would NOT like to live in a place that does not collect taxes. "

 Good Work wrote on July 3, 2008 4:15 pm:
" Beutler is smart, and he is in a difficult position because he is merely feeling the pinch caused by the two previous mayors (Wesley and Seng) and their "no growth" "no development" approach. If we fail to grow, and if we fail to bring businesses into Lincoln, then our sales tax rates suffer - which is exactly what is happening. I feel bad for Mayor Beutler, as he is trying to fix problems that were created over the past ten years. "

 Elaine Hammer wrote on July 3, 2008 4:16 pm:
" The Mayor has given very thorough and thoughtful consideration to the needs of the citizens of Lincoln. It is important to have a city with opportunities for libraries, recreation and access to nature to have a healthy, economically viable community. We need to be involved in the process and support his recommendation. "

 L wrote on July 3, 2008 4:24 pm:
" Thank you Mr. Mayor for having the courage to ask for a small tax increase. It is not enough, but it will stem some of the bleeding.
We have not paid more in taxes to run the City Departments for 15 years.
Please support the Mayor and your City and let your City Council person know you agress with the mayor. I want a City with all services operating. "

 Resident wrote on July 3, 2008 4:46 pm:
" Most of the people I know would be more than happy to pay more property taxes if they knew their money was being used effectively and efficiently. Friends of mine who know much more about city government than I do tell me there are definitely places that could be cut. There are in fact departments who could cut staff and put more emphasis and importance on serving the people of Lincoln. We have all heard stories about street workers receiving too much supervision. Could this be happening in other areas as well? My friends and I want our money to go where it best serves the people of Lincoln. Doesn't government exist to serve the people rather than itself? "

 Shane wrote on July 3, 2008 4:50 pm:
" The fact is that the ENTIRE property tax for the city of Lincoln only pays 70% of the Fire and Police budgets. Someone quickly pointed out that the majority of those polled did not want their property taxes raised. The survey ALSO said that 65% did NOT want their services cut and 90% said we needed more policemen and firemen. YOU CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS!!! IF you want to maintain fire and police than you need to be willing to pony up the additional property tax. THE CITY'S PORTION OF PROPERTY TAX HAS GONE DOWN OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS. (Read your tax statement and find out where the real culprit(s) lie) The mayor did NOT fail to balance the budget!!!! He merely said he will balance it with more revenue and if the city council doesn't like that they they can cut deeper or approve the revenue increase "

 sallie wrote on July 3, 2008 4:53 pm:
" I'm okay paying $15 more a year to balance the local budget deficit of $1.5 million for that nasty liberal Mayor. However, I'm a bit concerned that our republican leadership in Washington thinks it's okay to have a national budget deficit (govt spending more than it collects in taxes) of $400,000,000,000 to add to the total national debt of $9,000,000,000,000 (growing by the second).I hope some of the bloggers will do the math on that one if you want to compare liberal to conservative policies. Ain't no flag pin on nobody's lapel that's gonna erase some of those zeros.... "

 Kurt Reaplie wrote on July 3, 2008 5:17 pm:
" I don't see how anyone with any intelligence or knowledge about City gov can oppose this incredibly modest budget balancing proposal. I love how the LIBA crowd is all of a sudden portraying themselves as defenders of the poor and elderly. When LIBA is reduced to opposing something based on the poor, elderly, and those on fixed incomes, then you know its pretty hard for them to make a solid case against a buck fifty increase a month. "

 Matthew Hussein Platte wrote on July 3, 2008 5:21 pm:
" I'm sure that all you "no mo' taxes" people have already contacted Louisiana-native Jeff Fortenberry to insist he reduce the over-500-BILLION-dollar military budget, right? ... Right? ... [sound of crickets chirping] "

 homestead exemption wrote on July 3, 2008 6:00 pm:
" The $15 per year increase is not enough. it should be $60 so there no service cuts. If that tax increase is unaffordable then you will qualify for HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION so you do not pay property taxes.

To reduce city spending I propose that the City pays no overtime for snow removal Start at city center and work out to the fringes and the job gets done when it gets done. That would save 2 million. "

 Jr Fan wrote on July 3, 2008 6:33 pm:
" Each and every day I read the Lincoln Journal Star and listen to the Lincoln Radio Talk shows on the budget shortfall it should just infuriate people that our Lancaster County Board turned away a Motorsports opportunity that would have created 10 to 23 millions dollars to our city. With the fair moving away from Lincoln in the year 2010, how will we balance our budget then? Yes the proposed Arena will create revenue, but what about all the dollars to operate it? We can't even fund our own city now. Why do our elected officials make it difficult for private enterprise and then struggle to determine ways to create revenue for our city? "

 know when to fold wrote on July 3, 2008 7:36 pm:
" I for one am hoping that the City Council do not raise taxes and give themselves and LIBA what they want - LESS for LESS. I don't think citizens will really care if they get less service. It is a reality of our times. But, please, don't complain politicians. When all your constituents complain that they can't get an answer on the phone, or the city employees just can't do it fast enough or they made a mistake in their haste to get it done or when the developers and home builders continue their constant whining about how hard it is for them (does anyone still feel sorry for them? - how ridiculous) let em know - you get less for less and less - I have had enough of the whining. Let em get what they asked for. That's the only way babies learn. "

 dfb wrote on July 3, 2008 7:52 pm:
" You people who complain about taxes and want to cut them scream the loudest about bad streets, slow police response time, parks not being mowed, etc. You want all the benefits but don't want to pay for them. If you want good roads, security, etc, you have to pay for them. If you don't like what the mayor, city council, county commissioners, governor is doing, why don't you run for those offices and show us how to cut taxes without cutting services?

As for jobs leaving Lincoln, Stignob? The last jobs report I saw about Lincoln, Lincoln is gaining in the number of jobs, not losing them like most of the country.

Now, let's hope the city council does the right thing and pass the budget. If they want to save money, why don't the council members who have contracts with the city cut fees they charge in half. They have a sweetheart deal anyway and could easily afford that cut. They don't need to make millions off the city. That probably would save the city a couple of million easily and we could cut taxes. "

 curly wrote on July 3, 2008 8:26 pm:
" Mr Mayor you have my vote to increase the property tax levy by 14 cents which maxes out the mil levy and if I understand correctly will make the city eligible for other funds not available to the city now because Lincoln does not tax to the mil levy capacity.

Invest in this wonderful city which is in need of desperate revitalization. The city government has been so efficient they have cut themselves to the quick. "

 mike wrote on July 3, 2008 8:34 pm:
" come one!! always an increase, lets see a decrease ,, you jerk!!! "

 Yes Please wrote on July 3, 2008 9:02 pm:
" I applaud the mayor for having the courage to raise taxes. It is unfortunate that people whom post are unable to read the article and comprehend it. $15 more a year for $150,000 house and people are crying? I wish he had the ability to raise taxes more so that we make up for the last 10 years of dammage that Mike Johanns has caused to this once beautiful community. My concern is the spineless city council that will not support the Mayor. Particularly the so called republican members that are long on wind and short on smarts. Keep up the great work mayor. Most of the community supports you! "

 LLoyd wrote on July 3, 2008 10:09 pm:
" Start snow removal from the city center? Heck, UNL doesn't pay property taxes and yet is a primary beneficiary of city services. Let's assure the people who pay the most are beneficiaries of exemplary services. "

 dewboy wrote on July 3, 2008 10:47 pm:
" Hammer: I'm sure you would also go along with a user fee for the bike trails so the maintenance bill of same is not drawn from Parks and Rec. Also, it would be nice to not use tax payers money from the NRD to construct your trails. PLEASE no more jerks from the legislature for mayor of the City of Lincoln. "

 CS wrote on July 3, 2008 11:29 pm:
" DFB- Customer service jobs that are primarily low wage or part time don't count. Some of us actually LIVE in Lincoln rather than just using services, paying rent, graduating, and then leaving. Most graduates with real degrees leave because they can make twice the starting salary with a negligible increase in their cost of living right out of the gate. That means the can buy a house, care, spend money in their locale, and still afford to pay on their student loans and other debt racked up in college. Unless you are lucky in Lincoln, or established, its difficult to find a job in something that isn't customer service, service based, or blue collar, and even some of them make more than graduates with 4-6 years of school. Something is wrong when you have 10,000 potential employees in Lincoln that can't find a career job and leave, taking the benefit of UNL and Lincoln city services with them. "

 NOT SO FAST wrote on July 4, 2008 6:04 am:
" The train is on a run away track and won't stop once it starts. The mayor runs on a no increase in taxes and then the very first year he needs to send a budget out says, I NEED TO INCREASE your tax on your PROPERTY. WOW, can you believe it. and YOU all fall for it like a bunch of sheep. BAH, BAH, BAH. $15 dollars isn't the issue, the issue is claims made that you won't do something and then doing it anyway. What a JOKE. "

 Dan McCord wrote on July 4, 2008 8:36 am:
" The mayor's statement that this tax amounts to only one soda pop per month, and therefore it is really nothing at all, is totally asinine. Just one more example of the tax boys talking down to us. Since politicians first started using this eloquent explanation of tax increases ten or fifteen years ago, we are now up to about 742 sodas per month. That is very unhealthy! Hey mayor; have you ever heard of the straw that broke the camels back? It only weighed a couple ounces. "

 Big Picture wrote on July 4, 2008 10:20 am:
" It would be great if people would read the article and understand the financial state of the city before throwing out insults. The first place to start would be with the name calling. Why would you call someone that has dedicated themselves to improving Lincoln - which is has been in budget crisis since Mayor Johanns administration (Lincoln was his sacrificial lamb in order to move on to bigger political aspirations) a jerk? He actually has had success in the senate and bravely chose to take on the challenge that is Lincoln. He has approached the budget situation from all angles that exist. Just because time was taken to get the public input doesn't mean that should rule the tough decision making that has to be made. It demonstrates his willingness to take in to account all perspectives. How many more jobs and services should be cut especially when you realize the impact of the cuts that have already occurred? For $15 more a year on a $150,000 - we can have status quo. Can you imagine if we doubled this amount? Can you imagine if a family of (4) stayed home from dining out once a month what we could do for this commmunity? It may be a better investment for those of us in the commmunity that believe in the hardwork and vision of this mayor, people like the Scott brothers, the 2015 group, and are own sacrifice working to make Lincoln a better place offer to pay for the complainers, whiners to pack up and leave. We will never move ahead until people look outside their four walls and see what there is to gain with this small tax increase and what in reality should be a much larger increase . . . "

 Headshaker wrote on July 4, 2008 10:29 am:
" The 'Raise them higher' commenter obviously didn't read the article before writing that blurb. '1 cent? It should be more like $1.00'. Yea, nobody would complain about an extra $1,500.00 tacked on to their already high property taxes each year for a $150,000 home. And Mathew Hussein Platte, what does the NATIONAL Military Budget have to do with a proposed 1 cent increase in CITY Property tax? chirp chirp. "

 Cant believe it... wrote on July 4, 2008 11:18 am:
" For people like Mr. McCord - what is the reasonable cost - in your world to pay for those services city government provides? On the average homeowner it's about one and half dollars a day to drive on streets, be lighted by street lights at night, for police and fire protection, parks, pools, libraries, to know our water is safe to drink, etc. What exactly is the price you think is worth those things? My homeowners insurance and health insurance each cost more than that. Set a price on it so we all know how cheap and miserly you LIBAites truly are.... "

 Scott wrote on July 4, 2008 12:14 pm:
" So, what was all that gratuitous surveying and solicitation of citizen input supposed to be about? The citizens have spoken loud and clear, but the mayor goes ahead, saves his pet programs (and even comes up with some new ones!) and jams a tax increase down our throats regardless. Why am I not surprised? It is time to get back to essentials and live within our means. "

 I agree wrote on July 4, 2008 12:21 pm:
" Raise those property taxes. Of course I moved out of Lancaster county and Lincoln because of the high taxes years ago since I don't have kids. LPS is robbing the tax payers blind. "

 Tony wrote on July 4, 2008 12:39 pm:
" For years the assessor's office has been jacking up real-estate values in order to collect more tax, and now that the market is finally reflecting the actual values of our houses, they are starting to lose money and have to increase our taxes. According to the assessor, my property is worth 135,000 and is being taxed as such. According to the bank who gave me my loan, the property is only worth 119,000. The question is how the city came up with their bogus number.
For all of you sheep who think this is just business as usual, keep in mind that we already pay a higher percentage comparatively than most of the US.
Unfortunately for Lincoln, the city is controlled by the money the football team generates, and when the program went into the crapper, so did revenue. Maybe it's time to be more productive and drum up some different areas of revenue.
How much did the city pay Wasabi, Starship and the other businesses to knock them down to build a parking lot? The problem is in what the city chooses to invest in. The fair has gone broke due to complete incompetence.
Tax increases are not an answer to this problem. Progressive spending, better project assessment, and competent leadership are the only answers. Trimming the fat is a start, but first you've got to quit bringing the hogs to the buffet. "

 Shane wrote on July 4, 2008 12:52 pm:
" I don't understand how THIS penny is the straw that broke the camel's back when there was NO outrage when county said they were increasing their levy or when the School Board said no lowering of their mill and they go 20 MILLION dollars more from the state this year. Typical of the small minded mentality of this town. I want every service but I don't want to pay for it and IF you make cuts don't cut those service I use.

Not so fast, do you suppose the mayor knew when he was running for office that we would be looking at 4.50 Diesel and 4.00 gas a year after he was elected? Are YOU paying more for things than you did a year ago? Don't you think that applies to the city also??? "

 NOT SO FAST wrote on July 4, 2008 3:31 pm:
" Shane and big picture and a few others:
Oh yeah, I think the mayor was aware that gas prices were and are going up, and that is why he is doing this. But, the point is that He said he would not raise taxes on property and here we have it, an increase, with a promise for more to come, because he has signed on with the arena idea and not taken seriously situations of streets and other issues facing the city. It has been pointed out that the 2 for one match in retirement gives most people a somewhat uneasy feeling in the stomach and the fact that many of the city employees are paid in the 100 thousand dollar range. Solutions come from people and keeping the current conditions of increase and spend without relevant and definite control will result in people being upset enough to vote so called spenders out. It will happen, but not maybe as soon as we would like, but trust me it will happen, and when you and others are paying for event centers and peoples retirements and living on pennies of the dollar that you earned over your life time, while others are spending your extra dollars freely and at will, you will also change your mind. Unless of course you are so filthy rich that it doesn't matter to you. Well for a lot of us 15 dollars more in property tax is a lot. For me it is not the 15 dollars so much as it is the perception that it is OK and really not a big deal. IT is a big deal and wake up, you will live long enough here in Lincoln to see the ramifications of this and it will not be pretty. When a building or buildings and stadiums set idle for years upon end, people will still be paying for things and it will not be pretty. You should look at things from the WORST CASE possible for anyone and then make decisions based off of that premise, rather than on PIE in the SKY attitudes. GOOD LUCK to you but a lot of good people are leaving Lincoln because of you and the Mayor. Thanks. "

 Omahan wrote on July 4, 2008 6:06 pm:
" To my knowlege we here in evil Omaha haven't seen a city tax increase in over a decade, and that's with both Democrat and Republican mayors. If you expand the tax base you grow the budget without raising taxes. Try in Mr. Mayor. Don't make it so hard for businesses to grow or moveto Lincoln. "

 Okay Everyone Laugh wrote on July 4, 2008 7:04 pm:
" You have to laugh. Isn't life grant, they are taking more of what I don't have. Granted it is a meager amount and most will not complain but people are missing the point...a penny here, dollar there, adds up to less on my calculator. Less for the purse strings anyway. Oh well they are already broken and retied with bailing wire. "

 Ex-Omahan liking Lincoln wrote on July 4, 2008 8:18 pm:
" If you look at past tax statements you will see that the city of Omaha takes in 21 percent of property taxes in Douglas County. You will also notice a special section that Metro Area Transit takes an addition 2 percent. So, while Lincoln is strugling with cents on the dollar Omaha (and public transportation which is included in Lincoln's 15 cents) takes almost 24 cents.

I'd bet Lincoln could do a lot with an additional 9 cents on every dollar for 10 years. And Lincoln does it without the daily shootings. "

 wrote on July 5, 2008 1:13 pm:
" This sounds like LES saying they need more for awhile and then turn around and increase our rates. The mayor says he wont raise property tax and he does for 1 cent and then next year it will be what $10.00. How about the great mayor take a pay cut in his salary to help with all this I'm sure he could afford to do that. And about spending $150,000 to study fire and rescue coverage areas and response times.shoot I'm sure the average person could even do that and it would not even cost that much.And to spend $25,000 to start a graffiti removal program make the fools that do it clean it up. Or have them start in grade school to clean it up so that they won't want to do graffiti and then maybe we would not need that program. "

 Private sector worker wrote on July 5, 2008 3:53 pm:
" I work in the private non profit sector. On occasion I work with city departments on certain projects. I often wonder how they can send two or three people to a meeting my organization can barely send one person to. Someone might want to take a look at who goes to what meetings, why they go and whether or not the meetings are redundant or necessary.I also sense that some city workers are afraid to give their honest opinions due to fear of retaliation. Can forced silence be conducive to a healthy and productive work environment? "

 Setting the Record Straight wrote on July 6, 2008 5:29 pm:
" Some of us have a short memory. During his campaign, the Mayor only promised not to raise property taxes the first year. He did keep that promise. "

 Thank you wrote on July 7, 2008 10:43 pm:
" setting the record straight. Not only did Beutler promise no property tax increases in his first year of office, this is his SECOND budget. Mayor Beutler is NOT breaking any campaign promises.
Furthermore, I am more than willing to pay the approximately $13 a year my property tax will increase (my house is valued at $130,000 or below the example of $150,000). If the American public wouldn't spend $2 for every $1 they had, many of you would not be in such tough financial positions currently. Sure, I could live in a house that was valued more, but I live well within my means.
Thank you, Mayor Buetler, for taking into consideration what is best for the City of Lincoln! "

 Jen wrote on July 9, 2008 12:08 pm:
" I am not a property tax payer because I rent but it seems like the mayor has made all the cuts he possible can. Imagine if it was your job being cut to save from a tax increase. Wouldn't it be better if each person paid an extra $15 for the year than have people worrying about how they are going to feed their families. Everyone is hurting by rising costs these days how is government any different? "

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