State Fair's first lottery payday: $534,760

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BY MATT OLBERDING / Lincoln Journal Star

The Nebraska State Fair's first quarterly infusion of lottery money apparently will be larger than estimated. That means Lincoln will have to come up with a little more money to cover its 10 percent match, which is required by Amendment 4.

The amendment, passed by voters last November, gives 10 percent of annual lottery proceeds to the fair board to use to improve programming and fix buildings. That amount has been estimated at about $2 million a year, to be distributed quarterly.

Mark Bowen, Mayor Colleen Seng's chief of staff, said he contacted lottery officials because the end of the first quarter is near and he wanted to get an idea how much money the fair would be getting.

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Bowen said he was told by lottery officials that the fair board will receive $534,760 sometime in the next two weeks.

"That was their best estimate," he said.

That means Lincoln's matching share this quarter will be $53,476, slightly more than the $50,000 that was estimated. The city is planning to dip into its contingency fund to make the payment.

The good news for Lincoln is that the Lancaster County Board has tentatively agreed to provide up to $27,000 to help the city meet its obligation.

Commissioners approved a resolution at their Thursday staff meeting calling for the money.   They will vote on the resolution at Tuesday's board meeting.

The money will likely come from the county's keno fund. Commissioners were quick to point out, though, that the offer of aid is not long term.

"This is a one-time contribution in my mind," Commissioner Bob Workman said.

A call to the lottery office was referred to Nebraska Tax Commissioner Mary Jane Egr, who could not be reached for comment.

Richard Bjorklund, executive director of the State Fair, also could not be reached.

Reach Matt Olberding at 473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com.