Gaylor Baird proposes $4.3 million increase in Lincoln’s budget

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird is proposing $4.3 million in additional spending for pools, police pensions and more.

The mayor made her budget adjustment requests on Friday.

The city is in the middle of its two-year budget period.

“The proposed mid-biennium budget adjustments are necessary to address updated financial obligations and emergent community needs,” Gaylor Baird said in a press release. “They are part of the City’s overall budget investments that reflect our ongoing commitment to public safety, economic vitality, and a high quality of life.”

The biggest proposed increase is $1.5 million for the pool maintenance and repair fund.

Many city pools are 60 to 70 years old and are in need of repair more often, the city said.

Gaylor Baird is asking for $1 million to close StarTran’s budget gap, which the city attributes to reduced state funding and higher staffing costs.

The mayor is proposing that an additional $936,000 be invested in pensions for police officers and firefighters.

The city said that number is based on an analysis by an independent actuarial analysis.

Another proposed increase is $764,940 in debt service for the stormwater bond that voters approved last November.

Finally, the proposed budget adjustments include $150,000 for pay raises for 911 dispatchers, which have already been OK’d by the Lincoln City Council.

The city said it is not proposing any additional increases to property taxes.

There will be a public hearing at the city council meeting on Aug. 18, and the council will vote on the adjustments on Aug. 25.