The county budget was the main topic of discussion at Tuesday’s meeting of the Morrill County Commissioners.They approached the budget process with two goals in mind: 1) to keep the budget increase below 2.7 percent and avoid triggering LB 644; and 2) to lower the county levy. Under LB 644, if a county, city, school district, or community college increases their property tax request by more than 2% plus growth, they are required to participate in a joint public hearing and provide notice of the proposed tax increase on a postcard to all affected taxpayers.
The commissioners also kept in mind the anticipated effects of the recently passed LB 34 that caps municipal and county governments to collecting the greater of inflation or 0% (in times of deflation) over property taxes gathered the year before. There would be exceptions, including for public safety services (plus public defenders and county attorneys), emergencies, votes of the people and growth.
Caleb Johnson, CPA, with J13 Enterprises, LLC, presented and worked through adjustments and corrections to the county budget with the commissioners.
