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City Hall still a scapegoat on taxes

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Sunday, Sep 07, 2008 - 12:32:21 am CDT

As the local budget season winds down, an axiom holds true. Once again, city officials caught most of the heat from taxpayers.

County budget?

Yawn.

School budget?

Ho hum.

The persistent misconception that city officials are responsible for the entire property tax rate is detrimental to responsible decision-making.

City government is shrinking while the city grows in size and population. More than 60 jobs will disappear in the next city budget. The decline in quality of life is perceptible. For one example, just check how long the grass gets in city parks and how the weeds go untrimmed.

The local political operatives and budget hawks don’t help much.

They’re fixated on partisan politics. Republicans tend to complain about tax rates only when they can target Democrats.

So we have a situation where the Lancaster County Republican Party criticized a short-lived proposal by Democratic Mayor Chris Beutler to raise the city property tax by a cent.

But did the same group complain about spending increases (including construction of a new jail) proposed by the Republican-controlled Lancaster County Board?

Nope.

During the past year, city officials have tried to spread the word about the city’s relatively small share of property taxes. The message has not been absorbed sufficiently.

Here are pertinent facts:

* The city receives only 14.3 cents from every dollar in property taxes paid in Lincoln. Schools receive 63.3 percent. County government receives 13.7 percent.

* More than half of city spending goes for police and fire protection and operation of the 911 center. Understandably, city officials don’t want to cut there. So other departments are cut disproportionately.

* Except for police and fire, the city has not added any new employees for almost 20 years.

* The city property tax rate has dropped 44.7 percent since reaching a high in 1994.

* Of the state’s 10 largest cities, Lincoln’s property tax rate ranks seventh, behind Omaha, Bellevue, Hastings, North Platte, Fremont and Columbus.

Lincoln residents need to think about where they are getting the most value for their tax dollar. The facts argue that the ire directed at elected city officials is misplaced.


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Sean wrote on September 7, 2008 8:20 am:
" So city officals are completely innocent of any poor buget or monetary decisions? If you believe that I've got some deficient fire engines I can sell ya. "

 please wrote on September 7, 2008 9:32 am:
" just pathetic excuses for not being able to run a city and manage the budget. "

 D.A. wrote on September 7, 2008 10:00 am:
" This opinion is so correct. Its time people realize this city gets it done everyday with less and less while other taxing authorities are taking more from us every year and nobody complains about LPS or the county.

The city takes the heat and that's wrong. Its in the numbers. If all the complainers are going to continue running off at the mouth, then know what you're talking about or shut up.

As far as partisan politics go, it makes me sick. Mayor Beutler was very prudent with his property tax proposal increase, but the Republicans couldn't accept a reasonable idea from the other side...what a shame. "

 WWTOD wrote on September 7, 2008 10:19 am:
" So does this mean it's finally politically correct to start questioning the extravagant spending, including adminstration salaries and building projects, of the Lincoln Public School District?

Seems like that's always been off-limits in any property tax discussions, including LJS editorials. "

 And wrote on September 7, 2008 10:45 am:
" The solution isn't to increase the tax rate, but alter the system so that the city gets a better proportion of the tax base. Consolidate city and county government, for one. Schools are important, but making a campus atmosphere and 24-7 services is not a part of an educational mission. Gte back to teaching the important stuff and let the parents raise their children. "

 Zoomie wrote on September 7, 2008 12:27 pm:
" Misplaced only if the intention is to actually complain about the tax rate because you're upset about the tax rate. Perfectly placed if your intention is to score political points against Democratic officeholders!

For example - I don't know how many complaints I've seen here in these comments about how Barack Obama will raise taxes on the middle class, when that lie has been refuted by every factchecking group under the sun! And curiously, not one word of complaint about the fact that John McSame has proposed, as part of his healthcare reform, to have employers cease paying for a portion of employee healthcare (for which they get a tax writeoff) and transfer the total responsibility for payment to employees, but with all of it taxable (basically, if your employer currently spends $5,000 per year towards your healthcare, they'd give you a $5,000 credit towards the purchase of health insurance, but your taxable income would be raised $5,000...meaning your taxes will be raised!). Apparently a tax increase is only an increase if it can be blamed on a Democrat. "

 Edgar Pearlstein wrote on September 7, 2008 1:27 pm:
" People who live in the city should expect to pay for city services. Not only police and fire protection, but also street lights, parks, snow removal, tree trimming, recreation centers, animal control, storm sewers, maintenance of local roads and sidewalks, etc. "

 ted wrote on September 7, 2008 1:48 pm:
" 60% of all property taxes and vehicle taxes go to LPS..the real culprit. "

 Roger wrote on September 7, 2008 2:17 pm:
" Well, were we are not getting the best out of our money is LPS. I wish there is a way to cut about 30% out of their budget and funnel it into the city. Good schools are important, but LPS has abused the taxpayers. We don't need over-the-top super fancy new schools, a 1000 new laptops, layers of over-paid administrators, or supplying them with money from LES. Take note people: no more bonds for LPS and please lets start to vote the current school board members out. Everybody can play a part in taking action to reigning these money mongers in and making Lincoln a better city. "

 rrusell wrote on September 7, 2008 4:11 pm:
" In reality the Council is cutting the police force by not increasing the number of police officers as out population grows. This year's police budget increase went to 911 which was needed BUT we still need more offices on the street. Deena Winter's article of 6 July 08 titled "What happens when the city wallet empties" details Lincoln needs to hire 131 officers just to get the same ratio as Omaha. "

 Good article wrote on September 7, 2008 5:40 pm:
" but by looking at the first two comments, it's like kicking a dead horse. Some people still don't get it. Sean, take a look at those directly responsible for the fire truck debacle. What positions do those folks still hold in city government? And to 'please'...with a growing population base and a little over 14 cents on the dollar in revenue, I'd like to hear your ideas. What is your plan? "

 Shane wrote on September 7, 2008 6:07 pm:
" Thank you Journal Star for laying out the facts. I doubt anyone's opinion will change but at least you tried. People will continue to go to the bottom of their tax bill, look at that figure, and blame any change on the City. Besides an efficient city government does not fit into the agenda's of people like the first two posters. The fact is that both Fire and Police budgets went up over 4% and the entire city budget, of which they are more than 1/2, went up 2 1/2 percent. That sounds like pretty good "monetary decisions" and pretty good ability to "manage the budget" especially given the fact that inflation was closer to 5%. Anyone who thinks they can do better can start planning their election campaign right now. Remember though you have to use you real name, cannot hide behind a screen name and you have to have SOLUTIONS not just gripe about the one's being made. "

 Well wrote on September 7, 2008 6:44 pm:
" I still haven't quit figured out why the city spends money to paint "some"
light poles black. Any idiot knows with the winter and metal poles the
paint is going to peal right off, which has happened. So the city pays
people to strip 'em and paint them again and again and again??? And the
yellow paint strips down some sidewalks. Does that mean a certain part
of town the people are stupid and don't know which side to walk down??
LPS is the culpert that needs to be taken to the wood shed! They have
built new schools and been remodeling all schools for years and dumping
others. If LPS doesn't have the biggest, the finest and best those poor
kids will never learn anything to graduate and move out of state to find
jobs, lower taxes and a happy life!!!!! If you haven't lived in other
nicer cities with lower cost of living and lower taxes I guess your bound
to be ignorant!!!!! Thank goodness I lived in other lower taxed states
and can't wait to get back!!!! "

 Thank You Journal Star wrote on September 7, 2008 10:15 pm:
" Thank you Journal Star for this editorial. I don't think it could have been explained any clearer! Unfortunately, people still don't get it as I read the comments already posted. I do disagree with the final statement though. I do think the elected officials should take some responsibility -as they continue to refuse to raise taxes. If they were true leaders and doing what they were elected to do - they would be making the tough decisions such as raising taxes rather than worry about their next rung on the ladder they hope to climb to . . . "

 JR wrote on September 8, 2008 12:24 am:
" LJS, how dare you try to interrupt these frothing at the mouth lunatics with facts? They don't care about facts - all they want is to complain about "high taxes" as if they know what they are talking about, when in actuality they have been conditioned by their AM talk radio leaders to do this. They don't care about how much corporate welfare LIBA and others advocate. They just set back and complain about all the "welfare babies" sucking us dry. What about how much our taxes will go up if the Impact Fee is rescinded? "

 john q wrote on September 8, 2008 6:23 am:
" I'm glad some of you people are finally opening your eyes, LPS is the biggest money waster there is, it's time for new LPS admin, quality of education doesn't always mean the biggest and best, and newest. "

 wondering wrote on September 8, 2008 8:26 am:
" The editorial was good - why doesn't the LJS do some investigative reporting? How many LIBA members are on the City Council and there is one "Director" (Robin Eschliman) - LPS, LES, Lancaster Event Center are all members, AM radio reports an opinion, not fact - there may be a shade of fact but its mostly opinion. I for one am sick of the negativity - decisions are not made because of what is good for Lincoln as a whole - I'd like Lincoln's parks mowed regularly, the streets not only fixed but extended, kids to have quality recreation programs, libraries to be open and current.... in addition to public health and safety. LIBA can express their opinion, but it shouldn't count more than others. Common sense should prevail - "

 Why havent wrote on September 8, 2008 9:45 am:
" people atteneded school board meetings? If LPS is spending too much money, then they do so because no one attends the Board meetings and speaks out against something in the budget.

Citizens have a responsibility to take part in the actions of a school board or a city government. You don't vote a representative into office and expect that person to be able to read your mind about how you want things handled. If you really want your viewpoint represented, you need to communicate it to the elected official. The communication might be in person or it might be by a letter or phone call. It shouldn't be by complaining here. "

 daily bike commuter wrote on September 8, 2008 10:33 am:
" Mr or Mrs Well, the "yellow stripes on some sidewalks" signify that they're part of the trail system. Could they exist without the stripes? Yes, but I don't mind that they're there. "

 Huh wrote on September 8, 2008 12:25 pm:
" "LPS spends too much money because people won't attend board meetings."
Now thats interesting, in other words ya can't trust the school board and
they don't have the "education" to know that if they spend spend spend, its the citizens taxes that have to pay for it. And they have NO IDEA
that people struggle with Lincoln's low wages and exhorbant taxes trying
just to survive. So if people don't go to the board meetings, that means
yippee, we can spend til the cows come home!!! Apparently, if you are
ever at a store when any of these school board members are at the check-
out counter, beware, do not leave your purse, billfold or checkbook or
credit card on the check-out counter while your trying to pay your bill,
because the LPS board members will have you paying big time for all their
purchases too!!!!!!!! They can't be trusted!!!!! Apparently they think
all the filled back packs of food and school supplies are done because
people don't have anything else to do and the kids need something to carry
home!!!!!!!!?? "

 Harry says wrote on September 8, 2008 1:19 pm:
" most of the comments and the editorial are correct in that it is NOT the city but the school system that is the culprit. the school system is like a giant, blood sucking leech sucking the life out of not only lincoln but the entire state. Until you take control away from the political boards and administrators they will continue to feed on your blood! "

 Alan wrote on September 8, 2008 1:39 pm:
" The schools couldn't care less what the people think. THe board serves unpaid and no one spends much money to be elected so they are beyond reach of the voters.

We need Foley to step in with a top down audit of LPS and clean house. "

 Ignignokt wrote on September 8, 2008 4:04 pm:
" 'Why havent' must think that the school board members are completely oblivious to public opinion. I'm certain the school board members read the paper, heck, they probably even read comments on this site. But, reading and acting are two different things. It wouldn't do any good to show up to the school board meetings because they simply refuse to listen to the taxpayers. They've been living under a rock if they don't know that a large number of Lincolnites want them to restrict their budgeting a little. Bottom line is this...they're thumbing their noses at us. They know we really don't have any meaningful recourse, because even if they're voted out, there's 100 more people just like them waiting in the wings. The city is out of money, LPS is out of touch, and I'm running out of patience. Somebody needs to do something about LPS, because they sure aren't going to do it themselves. "

 Ross wrote on September 8, 2008 4:08 pm:
" From 1999 to 2007 Lincoln had two Democrat Mayors and a continuous 4-vote Democrat majority on the City Council and you want to blame the Republicans for not mowing the parks? Your bias is showing! "

 Foley wrote on September 8, 2008 5:00 pm:
" Isn't he the guy who works for the State? Isn't LPS a non-State entity? Would it be possible for a State Auditor to have any say in a local school district? I've seen numerous suggestions for Foley to "look into" certain non-state entities. I can't imagine how he could... "

 RE Huh wrote on September 8, 2008 5:08 pm:
" Once again you bring up the backpack program as if LPS has anything significant to do with it. You do realize LPS doesn't fund it, right? You do realize that a large number of volunteers provide the labor, the backpacks, the time to fill them and the assistance for the kids, right? You do realize that several churches and the parishioners donate the food for the backpacks, right?

I don't know why the FABULOUS backpack program continues to irk you, but it's totally volunteer driven. Thank goodness for all of the volunteers, churches and LPS for allowing this to happen. Perhaps some need to learn a bit more before commenting. "

 Rxwoman wrote on September 8, 2008 5:15 pm:
" Hmmm? So why is it here in red-state, Republican majority Nebraska, that we have such high taxes? You would think that since Republicans claim to be the party of low taxes, that Nebraska would have low taxes.
I do have advice however. Why not see how other states do it? The ones with the low taxes. "

 its over wrote on September 8, 2008 9:09 pm:
" The Fire Truck purchase was years ago - there is a new Chief in town - he's good - he needs your support. The City budget isn't mis-managed- sales tax is flat and no one wants to raise property taxes. Do your shopping in Lincoln - that will help. Create some economic development that brings people to Lincoln to spend money in Lincoln - that would help. LIBA could work harder to bring in more business to Lincoln - The editorial says over and over- the City has cut services - laying workers off doesn't help the economy. Services can't be provided without people to do the work - I don't like taxes more than anyone else, but I wouldn't object to a 2 cent increase - "

 REre wrote on September 8, 2008 11:14 pm:
" You just don't get it, nobody said LPS filled backpacks, but LPS is raking
the taxes out of people and they don't even have money left to buy food
for their kids!!! Is that so hard to understand? "

 Jerry Simpson wrote on September 9, 2008 7:03 am:
" Thanks LJS for raising this issue. While LPS takes the largest property tax bite, the county's share has been growing the fastest - and that was before they started spending money on a new jail. "

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