By: Kelly Sommariva
ksommariva@klkntv.com
How would you like to see your property taxes go down? Well it's a possibility, but only if Lincoln voters approve a sales tax increase.
The Legislature isn't considering a hike in sales tax yet. They're only debating whether to let cities put it to a vote in the future.
Cuts in state funding mean cities have had to tighten their belts. A proposed bill would allow voters to approve a sales tax hike, then the city could invest in itself. "It gives local voters the opportunity to relieve pressure on property taxes while still preserving very important city services," said Mayor Chris Beutler.
Opponents are concerned it will make sales taxes too high. Right now, you pay seven percent. If passed, cities could ask taxpayers to approve a sales tax increase. In Lincoln, it could be half of a percent.
So here locally, if you decide to go out to eat or stay at a hotel, you would be paying a total of 9.5 percent on the bill. Two percent of that, coming from the arena tax.
"If the taxpayers don't see these efficiencies, they don't see collaboration between various government entities within a city or around a city, they're not going to vote for it," said Senator Brad Ashford.
Mayor Beutler says the potential increase could bring in $19 million a year for Lincoln. If voters eventually pass the sales tax increase, the mayor has promised a reduction in property taxes for homeowners. THe cut in property tax would add up to about $45 per year if your home is worth $150,000.
There were no opponents to the bill today. If the bill is passed in the Legislature and voters approve it, it would only go into effect for ten years and then it would have to be voted on again.
