Potential property tax increase may occur in Scotts Bluff County

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNEP) - Scotts Bluff County residents could see a property tax increase due to a change in budgets across the county.

A joint public hearing was held on Wednesday to discuss an increase in property tax due to political subdivisions with taxing authority asking for more than the state allowed growth. The hearing had representatives from the City of Gering, Western Nebraska Community College, Morrill Public Schools, City of Minatare, and Gering Public Schools.

The representatives told the residents in attendance that the proposed increase is not from an increase in the tax levy but rather an increase in property valuations across the county.

The public hearing allowed residents to voice their concerns about the potential increase with many citing concerns about not knowing in advance about the meetings to discuss the budgets, and that each entity needs to “tighten their purse strings” and take a different approach to their budget hearings.

No action was taken at the hearing but each entity will have to pass their budget by Sept. 30.

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