The Long Game on Property Taxes

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

Last week, I delivered my second State of the State address to the Unicameral, and then I went on the road for 10 statewide stops to talk directly with Nebraskans in South Sioux City, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, North Platte, Sidney, Scottsbluff, Alliance, Valentine, and Fremont.  Not surprisingly, property taxes were the top issue again, but this time there is an increased sense of urgency to see progress.

 

Many Nebraskans continue to be concerned about their options as property taxes continue to rise.  For example, Mary Lou in North Platte showed me this year’s property tax bill.  In 2015, her taxes went up almost 36 percent year over year on top of a 20 percent increase from 2014.  If property taxes continue to increase at this pace, families like Mary Lou’s may be forced to sell land their family homesteaded generations ago—just to pay their tax bill.

 

This isn’t just a rural or agricultural issue.  Valuations are on the rise for commercial and residential property as well.  Many Nebraska taxpayers are on fixed income and have no ability to manage fast-paced valuation increases.  In some cases, the American Dream of owning a home is becoming more difficult for hardworking families.  Statewide property valuations from 2003-2013 increased by about 77 percent.  With ag land values rising even more rapidly than residential, property taxes on farmers and ranchers during the same time period increased by 137 percent.

 

As a point of reference, property taxes make up about 40 percent of total taxes paid in Nebraska, while sales and income taxes combined come out to over 50 percent.

 

Property tax valuations are based on a three-year rolling average of a property’s actual value.  The rolling average is an attempt to prevent dramatic increases based on an isolated economic event.  Practically, this also means that if values rise rapidly for a couple years, and then level out or fall, the annually assessed valuation may still increase during years three, four, and five until the highest values are removed from the average.  While we all feel the pinch of increased property taxes, ag  producers, who are seeing a down trend in commodity prices, are still experiencing a significant increase in property taxes each year.  This reality has families like Mary Lou’s facing the possibility of literally losing their family farm.  The economic pressure experienced by the ag industry, which represents 25 percent of the Nebraska economy, impacts all of us.

 

Property taxes have been a major focus of my policy initiatives since I’ve had the honor of serving as your Governor.  Last year, we were able to provide $408 million in direct dollar-for-dollar property tax relief to Nebraskans through the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund, an over 45 percent increase from previous budgets.  While it was important to provide immediate relief, we must do more.

 

It is a challenge for state officials to take on the property tax problem directly because property taxes are imposed and collected by your local government including cities, counties, school districts, natural resource districts, community colleges, and educational service units.  State officials are limited to determining the parameters for local collection.

 

This year, I’ve worked with Revenue Committee Chairman Mike Gloor and Education Committee Chairwoman Kate Sullivan to propose a property tax relief package to make structural changes and begin to provide long-term relief through fiscal restraint.  Our bill will tighten spending and levy limits and limit the statewide aggregate growth of agricultural property valuations to three percent.

 

The $408 million in direct tax relief in the budget the Legislature and I agreed upon is significant, but property tax relief continues to be a priority because we can do more.  My property tax relief package encourages fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in local government, while maintaining local control over budgeting decisions.

 

We are working on your behalf at the state level, but we need your help at the local level.  Here are a few suggestions for how you can help support property tax relief for your community:

 

Consider attending budget meetings for local government and share your property tax bill, urge fiscal restraint in budgeting, and look for ways to achieve tax relief by lowering the levy.  You can find information about how to contact local government by visiting some of these websites:

 

 

You may also contact your state senator to urge them to support the property tax package introduced at my request by Chairwoman Sullivan and Chairman Gloor.  You can find their contact information at www.NebraskaLegislature.gov.

 

If you have any questions about how property taxes are levied or the tax relief package we are working on this legislative session, please contact my office by emailingpete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2244.  I look forward to hearing from you!

 

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Beast Feast Huge Success!!

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


The Beast Feast, (Wild Game Feed) held in Oakland over the weekend was a huge success! “We had 200-250 attend,” stated Co-Chamber of Commerce President David Deemer.

The event was held as a fundraiser for Oakland’s 150th celebration to be held in 2018. “With the support of Oakland and our surrounding communities, we made a great step towards obtaining that goal,” Deemer said.

Kim Helzer along with Chamber members and a group from Arlington worked together to provide those attending a wonderful meal. “We have been doing this in Arlington for 11 or 12 years now,” stated Mike Lowe, one of the group members from Arlington who helped in cooking the meal. “It has been a great fundraiser, benefiting many areas of our community.”

The food was an experiment for some. “My favorite was the elk meatballs. They were delicious,” stated Judy Nelson.

Donna Preston had so many delicacies on her plate she wasn’t sure what she was eating. “It is all so delicious, it doesn’t matter,” Donna said.

The success of this event belongs to many individuals. “The Oakland Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Kim Helzer and all of her friends for making this such a successful event,” Deemer stated. “The Oakland Chamber looks forward to possibly doing it again next year! Thanks to everyone who donated towards our 150th celebration.”

A large crowd attends the first annual Beast Feast in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

A large crowd attends the first annual Beast Feast in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Sue Beckner, Co-Oakland of Chamber Commerce President thanks the crowd for attending the beast feast! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Sue Beckner, Co-Oakland of Chamber Commerce President thanks the crowd for attending the beast feast! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting
January 12th, 2016 4:30P.M.

The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 4:30 P.M. at the City Hall on January 12th, 2016. Visitors signing in Patty Plugge, Peggy Smith, Tim Slaughter, Chelsey Dunning, Justin Smith, Nico Hardeman, Jason Troutman, Robert Mayo, Not signing in Alta Wolf, Mark Jackson, Brantley Vavra

 

1)         Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg

 

Roll Call: Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

 

2)        Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting received:

 

Roll Call: Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

 

3)        Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

 

Roll Call: Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

 

4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

All present

5)        OATH OF OFFICE: Kellogg asked Cheryl Gatewood to come to the table.

Cheryl Gatewood read I, Cheryl Gatewood, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or for purpose of evasion; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of Board of Trustees according to law, and to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence; and that during such time as I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence, so help me God.

Subscribed and sworn by the above named Cheryl Gatewood before me this 12th day of January, 2016. Witness my hand and official seal.

Signed Cheryl Gatewood

Witnessed by Ann M. Chytka

Kellogg welcomed her to the Village Board of Decatur

 

6)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:

 

1)         Police: Monthly Report- Justin Smith came to the table. He stated that we are having speeding coming off the bridge. He has had a couple of suggestions about how to slow traffic down going across the bridge. One would be to have a cop car parked down by the road it will be manned some of the time and unmanned other times. Another option would be to have a speed sign to let people know what their speed is. Siecke asked if we could borrow the counties radar speed trailer. Smith will do some checking on that. Or we could purchase a standard Radar Enforced signs. The estimate for the solar radar speed sign is $3,595.00.

Officer Smith reported 4 new criminal cases, 11 warnings most from coming over the bridge, and 1 citation given since the 1st of the year.

Officer Smith also stated that he made a demand letter to Joseph Gatto Jr. for the return of $1,395.00 in equipment that belongs to Decatur.

Officer Smith said that we are continuing to deal with the stray dogs. He stated that there is a signup sheet at the village office to have the live dog trap in a residents yard if they are having problems with stray dogs.

5 houses have been deemed condemned by the health board.

2 grants have been worked since November. Click it or Ticket and a DUI grant.

Kellogg appreciates all the work that Officer Smith has done in the last couple months.

 

Gatewood made a motion to purchase 2 Radar Enforced signs 2nd by Tolby Roll-call- Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y, Tolby-y.

 

2)         Lights: Monthly Report Kellogg reported one turned off and one turned back on.   no problems have been reported.
3)         Water & Sewer: Clerk presented the Laynes estimate for fixing the well. Kellogg    signed the proposal. Kellogg asked if the tests for water and sewer had been done.      Chytka stated water went out today and sewer will be sent tomorrow.
4)         Parks: Monthly Report- Tolby report no income from the park. The tree committee will be meeting to discuss placement of the tree’s from the Celebrate   trees grant. Kellogg stated once the weather gets nice we will be revisiting the         dock.

 

5)         Streets: Monthly Report -October’s city sales tax $3068.88.

Street repairs- Siecke wanted to thank the members of the community that                                    stepped up to help with the snow removal the last time.

 

6)        Recycling Report:

  1. A) Income received of $217.12 from October’s cardboard hauled. We have recycling that needs to be hauled to Tekamah.

 

7)        OLD BUSINESS

1) A)Knife River sent an email stating that they would like to do the patching on our                             streets next spring. Clerk reported that on the October 10th we had decided which                              roads would be patched. 10th St: Broadway- 4th Ave. going with 4: 330 square                            yards $13,438.40 and 7th St North of Bridge $7055.16. totaling $20493.56.

Gatewood asked if we had someone to write grants to help pay for the repairs.                             Kellogg said that we are still looking for grant writers.

 

2) David Malloy- Question about taps on main line- Not present

 

3) Patty Plugge- Economic Development Corporation- To explain the Demo Grant           available. Plugge reported that they have $75,000 to distribute. They are giving 2 grants   to each community. The grant cycle runs January-March 31st. They grant will match      50% of the demo cost.

 

4) Kay Kellogg- Relay for Life Clerk reported that they just want to make sure that the   lights at the all field and the port-a-potties will be available. Kellogg said that this was   ok’d last month. This will take place during River Front Days.

 

5) Tim Slaughter- Streets: Slaughter came to the table stated that the amount of taxes that are accumulated in that .4 miles. is $40,200. He said that people were getting stuck down         at the end of the circle and the street needs to be repaired.   Kellogg reported that we are    working on the streets. Siecke stated that we will be discussing the 1 and 6 year road           plan.

 

 

8)        NEW BUSINESS

 

1) Justin Smith- Speed sign for road coming off the bridge. Discussed up in police             report.

 

2) Liquor license for Fireman’s Ball Feb. 6th: Jason Troutman and Brantley Vavra came    to the table and asked for permission for Liquor License for the fireman’s ball. Gatewood        made a motion to let them have a liquor license for the Ball on February 6th. 2nd Siecke    roll call, Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Gatewood-y, Siecke-y.

 

3) Rob Mayo Sanitation- Curbside recycling-Rob Mayo came to the table and would like             to know if we would be interested in curbside recycling. They would provide the     containers. The only thing that they would not take is Styrofoam. He said that this         would be free of charge until November when the contract is due to renew. Gatewood        and Kellogg discussed that we need community feed back to see if anyone would be             interested in the curbside service. It is possible for the people to have recycling as an        option on the utility bill. The charge will be between $1-$5. Kellogg tabled recycling   until next month.

 

4) Nico Hardeman- Nico came to the table he said that he wants to talk about the property           clean up. Nico asked about the property up by the church. Siecke asked if we could get a     status on the Stone property. Kellogg said that we can have volunteers go and clean it up             if they sign a waiver.

 

5) Peggy Smith- Discuss 1 & 6 year Road Plan- Peggy came to the table the board            discussed the 1 & 6 year plan. Peggy will add the street patch work that Knife River will        do to the list. We will hold the public hearing on February 11th at 4:30 for the 1 & 6       year plan.

 

6) Discuss hiring of a city crew worker- Siecke made a motion to put an ad for a full-        time maintenance worker who is 21 years of age, working towards water and sewer        certificate. Valid divers license, and high school diploma or equivalent. Competitive           wage. 2nd Gatewood

Roll call- Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y

 

9)         CORRESPONDENCE

Robert Richards resigned as of 1/11/2016. Siecke made a motion to accept Robert Richards resignation 2nd by Gatewood Roll call- Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y,    Gatewood-y.

A list will be available in the Clerk’s office for those interested in filling the vacant seat.     The cutoff date for the list will be January 27th.

 

Don Freese and Joyce McCullock have resigned from the planning commission.
 

10)       ANNOUNCEMENTS

The public meeting for the 1 & 6 year road plan will be held at 4:30 on Thursday   February 11th at 4:30 with regular board meeting to follow.

 

11)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Siecke & Tolby

 

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

 

Siecke 2nd Tolby

 

Roll Call: Gatewood-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

 

12)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          

Gatewood 2nd Siecke

 

Adjournment Time:     6:22
______________________________

Loretta Kellogg Chairman

__________________________

Ann M Chytka Clerk

 

 

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Market Report

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


Market corn +1 @ 3.69
Market beans -7 @ 8.66

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Golden Oaks Cancels Fundraiser

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


Golden Oaks Senior Center in Oakland NE has cancelled a fundraiser to be held tomorrow, Thurs., Jan. 21st due to the possibility  of inclement weather. 

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Anderson Has Record Setting Game for Cougars

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


By Clare Wiltse, Sports Contributor

The Northeast Cougars used a record setting performance by Alec Anderson to turn back (2-12) Pender last Friday, 70-35.  The 6’4″ senior overpowered the undersized Pendragons for 37 points.  This eclipses the Northeast record of 36 set by John Kroger against Pender back in 1996.

Coach Lahm’s boys pounded the paint for a 10-2 run to open the game.  Anderson had two scores along with a lay-in by Cole Christoffersen and a three point play by Montana Riecken.  Marcus Hegy slipped inside for two goals before Anderson  added six more points and Hunter Ferguson nailed a three.  LDNE had a 22-11 lead after the first eight minutes.

Coach Lahm subbed freely for the rest of the game. Cole Christoffersen was the top scorer in the second period with three baskets.   In the third period Anderson brought his total to 22 with five more makes and two charity toss conversions.

The starters were back on the court to start the fourth period.  Alec Anderson put in six points early in the quarter.  The coach subbed in reserves, but kept his star on the court as he neared the  record.  Two goals and a three point play brought him to within a point of tying the mark.  Anderson took a feed in the lane and a hard foul  stopped him from scoring. Alec fought back blood dripping from his nose to sink both shot before exiting the game.

For the night Anderson went 14 for 18 from the field (78%) and made 9 of 13 free shots.  He made it a double-double with 10 rebounds.  The senior was not the only double-double for the Cougars.  Classmate Marcus Hegy scored 11 points and grabbed 10 caroms.   Cole Christoffersen also finished with 10 points and eight rebounds.

The Cougars have a 9-2 record.  The will take on some salty opposition this week.  (8-7)
Cedar Bluffs and (8-5) Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family visit Lyons this week.  Saturday, the Cougars journey to take on (11-4) Stanton.

LDNE 22 13 20 15 -70
Pender 11 6 10 8 -35

2pt 3pt FT Rb F TP
Riecken         1 0 1/1 3 1 3
O’Connor 1 0 0 1 0 2
Christiansen 1 0 0 6 1 2
Whitaker 0 0 0 1 0 0
Hegy 2 1 2/2 10 1 11
Ferguson 0 1 0 1 0 3
Ronnfeldt 1 0 0 1 0 2
Anderson 14 0 9/12 10 2 37
Hardeman 0 0 0 1 1 0
Christoffersen 5 0 0/1 8 1 10
LDNE 26/37 2/4 17/17 42 7 70
Pender 10/26 4/16 3/7 22 13 35

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Commission Seeks Information on Bald Eagle Found Shot

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking information related to the apparent shooting of a bald eagle in northeastern Nebraska.

A citizen found the dead eagle on Jan. 17 in Cedar County, approximately 3 miles southeast of Yankton, S.D. The eagle appeared to have been shot on the day it was found. Two rooster pheasants and two hen pheasants were found with the eagle. Rooster pheasants are in season through Jan. 31, but it is illegal to harvest hen pheasants.

Bald eagles are protected by the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), which prohibits the take, possession, sale, purchase, barter, offer to sell, transport, export or import of any bald or golden eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, unless allowed by permit. “Take” includes pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb. Maximum penalties for violating BGEPA can be as high as a $250,000 fine and imprisonment for up to two years.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Commission Conservation Officer Jeff Jones at 402-762-5022 or Nebraska Wildlife Crime Stoppers at 1-800-742-7627.  The caller can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

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Lady Cougars Come Up Short Against Pender

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


By Clare Wiltse, Sports Contributor

Two of the best from the East Husker Conference squared off in Pender on January 15 and the game went down to the final seconds before the victor was decided.   Unfortunately for the Lady Cougars they came out on the short end of a 56-54 score.

After a very physical game with several questionable calls Coach Rex Haskell praised his girls.  “They did a very good job of playing through some tough situations and not letting it bother their play.”

Lyons-Decatur defense forced the Lady Pendragons to shoot from the outside on the game’s onset.  Pender made only one of seven and the Cougars  moved to a 6-2 lead with a basket from Abby Peterson, a three point play by Lexie Bacon, and free throw by Brianne Haskell.

Pender finally got inside and tied the score at 10.  The Cougar closed the period with a deuce by Bacon and trey by Wakeley for a 15-11 lead.

Northeast got three points to open the second quarter, but Pender came back nine unanswered and took a 20-18 lead.  Two free throws by Mariah Jessen tied the score and two more by Lexie Bacon put the Cougars on top.  Tessie Collins made it six free shots in a row.  Three conversions by the Lady Pendragons gave them the lead until Kelly Wakeley closed out the half with basket, 26-25.  A steal by Lexie Bacon gave Northeast a last second shot, but a no-call ended the half as she appeared to be fouled on a three point attempt.

Northeast got an eight point lead when Mariah Jessen had two conversions and Wakeley and Bacon connected from downtown.  A basket by Jessen made it 36-28.  LDNE would score six more points.  Pender would get eleven.

A big momentum change was made when the Cougars led 42-35.  A foul by Jessen put Pender’s Amber English   at the line for two shots.  She made the first and missed the second.  The ball was called out of bounds off of Peterson.  Pender followed with a trey for 42-39 score.

Pender ran off a eight straight points open the fourth quarter to take a 47-42 lead.  Mariah Jessen got the Cougars on the board with 4:33 left.  Following a Pender three point play Haskell made one of two and the Cougars were down by five.  Jessen took a couple of feeds from Haskell as Northeast closed to within three points, 52-49.   Pender made only one of six free shots while Lexie Bacon pulled the Cougars closer with two free shots.  Tailing 53-51 Bacon had a good look from behind the arc, but missed.

With 26.3 seconds left Pender went to the line with a 53-51 lead.  Kamryn Anderson made one and missed the second, but Cecilee Jacobson grabbed the rebound for a put back.  Brianne Haskell scored a trey just before the buzzer for a 56-54 final score.

Pender has a 9-6 record.  Northeast has a 9-3 mark  going into game against (9-6) Cedar
Bluffs, (9-6) Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, and (10-5) Stanton.
Pender was led by led by the coach’s daughter, Hallie Ballinger with 17 points, and Amber English with 14.  Northeast got a big game from Mariah Jessen who scored a career-high 15 points and had three blocked shots.  Lexie Bacon was close behind with 14.  Kelly Wakeley added 10 points.  Brianne Haskell scored ten points while nursing a sprained ankle which took her out of the Mead game in the second quarter.

North shot 40% to 35% to Pender.  They had a 34 to 32 advantage in  rebounding, but Pender made he most of 13 offensive boards.

LDNE 15 11 16 12 -54
Pender 11 14 14 17 -56

2pt 3pt FT Rb F TP
Simonsen 0 0 0 0 3 0
Wakeley 2 2 0 5 4 10
Haskell 2 1 3/6 2 4 10
Collins 0 0 2/2 1 3 2
Bacon 3 1 5/7 11 4 14
Jessen 5 0 5/6 4 4 15
Peterson 1 0 1/2 11 3 30
LDNE 16/23 4/12 16/23 34 21 54
Pender 18/42 2/15 14/31 32 15 56

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Fischer Statement on Obama’s Veto of WOTUS Repeal

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement this morning regarding President Obama’s veto of legislation to repeal the WOTUS rule last night:

“The bill the president vetoed would have stopped a rule that threatens the economic security of countless Nebraska families. Nebraskans value clean water. They also work hard to preserve and protect this critical natural resource. While the courts explore the legality of this rule, I will continue the fight to protect Nebraskans from this unnecessary federal intervention.”

 

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New Arrival in 2015: Emersen Donald Andersen

January 19, 2016 Leave a comment


Emersen Donald Andersen born October 23rd 2015 at 5:44 am weighing 6lbs 15oz and 20inches long. Parents are Kaleb and Luryn Andersen of Oakland NE.

Grandparents are Kent and Brenda Andersen of Oakland NE and Marty and Jean Peterson of Lyons NE. Great Grandparents are Don and Patsy Andersen of Fremont NE, Ben and Linda Murray of Oakland NE, Larry and Kathleen Peterson of Elkhorn NE and Pete Schmidt of Oakland NE.

Emersen Donald Andersen

Emersen Donald Andersen

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