Property tax discussion dominates Scottsbluff tax hearing

Property taxes, property taxes, property taxes.

That was the theme of Monday evening’s public hearing of the Tax Modernization Committee in Scottsbluff.

Even when the discussion turned to sales taxes and income taxes, property taxes frequently became a focal point.

During the hour dedicated to sales tax, many testifiers asked that the state tax more services so the revenue could be used to lower property taxes. And after only two people stepped forward to talk income taxes, the discussion turned back to property taxes.

Many testifiers called on the state to use sales tax revenue from taxing more services to boost state aid to K-12 education, which would lower property taxes and help make education more equitable. We recommended the state to do this in our recent analysis of the tax change options that are being discussed at the hearings.

Dr. Caroline Winchester, superintendent of Chadron Public Schools, said reductions in state aid to her district have led to school closings, loss of programs and other problems and higher property taxes.

Another Chadron resident, Jim O’Rourke, said it’s vital for the state to provide more support for schools in his county.

Along with expanding the sales tax to services and increasing state aid to schools to decrease property taxes, Nebraska also should work to protect its cash reserve, which presently at its minimum recommended level, said Robin Lapaseotes, who testified as a member of the Nebraska Cattlemen.

The Tax Modernization Committee holds its second hearing Tuesday afternoon in North Platte before it heads to Norfolk for a hearing Thursday. The final two hearings will be held in Omaha and Lincoln on Oct. 17-18. See a full schedule of hearings.