BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 September 11, Wednesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor (with Aimee Cothran)
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
Blair’s City Council convened Tuesday night for a packed agenda, making crucial decisions on the city’s financial future and development plans.
The council approved the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, setting appropriations at $93.4 million. This comes with a slight increase in property taxes, as the council voted to raise the tax rate from 0.277 to 0.286 per $100 of assessed value.
While the operating budget has decreased by 9.45%, the city is seeing a 3.27% increase in the property budget. This translates to about a 1% increase in property taxes for residents.
The total property tax request stands at $3.06 million, based on a property tax evaluation of $1.071 billion. The council also approved an increase in the budget lid limit from 2.5% to 3.5%, citing rising costs in various budget items.
In other financial matters, the Airport Authority saw its tax rate bump up to 0.028766 per $100.
The council meeting was preceded by a 30-minute budget hearing, setting the stage for the evening’s financial decisions. City Administrator Phil Green provided insight into the property tax increase, noting it would amount to about a 1% rise for residents. The increase is partly offset by growth in housing and businesses. On the development front, the rezoning application for the Special Housing District overlay is part of a larger plan that could see condos built in an area that has traditionally served as a buffer between residential and industrial zones. This proposal will have its final reading at the next council meeting, offering one last opportunity for public input. Additionally, the state will be monitoring traffic on Hollow Road to assess the need for a traffic light at 13th Street, addressing growing concerns about the intersection’s safety.
Development was another key focus of the meeting. The council passed the second reading of a rezoning application for a Special Housing District overlay in an area south of Grant Street, east of 10th Street, west of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, and extending 900 feet north of Wilber Street.
A related item, a conditional use permit for condominiums at 590 S. 10th Street, was tabled pending the final approval of the rezoning application.
The Blair Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will see changes to its constitution and bylaws. Notable updates include a shift to ongoing acceptance of applicants, rather than the previous twice-yearly system. New rules were also established for handling complaints and for members facing legal issues.
The City Administrator shared some community updates in his report. The Hollow Road Ribbon Cutting saw a great turnout, and the state is monitoring the bypass project. He also mentioned that negotiations for the police union contract are nearly complete.
Good news was delivered for families looking forward to warmer weather: the new splash pad will be completed in November, making it ready for use next summer.
The next council meeting is expected to include announcements about staff positions and further updates on ongoing projects.
