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 The item came up for vote twice, with the first motion being to
hold the tax levy at a true zero percent change to taxpayers failing
by a vote of 5-3. Those who voted against the motion included Rick
Hoefle, Kathy Horn, Jonie Tibbs, Steve Parrot and Tracy Welch. Those
voting in favor were Michelle Bauer, Jeff Hoinacki and Todd
Mourning.
The second motion was made to reduce the general tax levy by $50,000
while increasing the debt services levy for the payment of bonds by
$7,055, equaling an overall reduction of $42,445.
In this vote, the motion passed with a vote of 5-3. Those voting
“yes” included Rick Hoefle, Kathy Horn, Jonie Tibbs, Steve Parrot
and Tracy Welch. Those voting “no” were Michelle Bauer, Jeff
Hoinacki and Todd Mourning.
 The evening began with a public hearing on this topic with those
coming forward including mayoral candidates Kevin Bateman, Seth
Goodman and Wanda Lee Rohlfs, along with one citizen who recently
purchased a home in Lincoln, Ilene Owen.
The discussion during the adjourned voting session was lengthy with
several aldermen voicing their opinions both for and against the
reduction in the tax levy. Lincoln Daily News will offer complete
coverage of that discussion in an additional report early next week.
City approves funding for Logan County Tourism Bureau
The city heard a motion from Steve Parrot to fund the Logan County
Tourism Bureau for the 2017 calendar year (the fiscal year for the
bureau), which was seconded by Kathy Horn. Both aldermen are members
of the Tourism Council as appointed by Lincoln Mayor Marty Neitzel.
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During the discussion period, Tracy Welch asked for three amendments
to the funding agreement. He said the agreement indicated that the
bureau would report to the city twice per year. Welch said he
thought it had been agreed the bureau would report quarterly.
Welch went on to say that in the by-laws it should state that the bureau will
appoint its own board members but that the city will be permitted to confirm the
appointments.
Finally, Welch said it was not clear whether or not city and county appointees
were voting members of the Tourism Board. Parrott told Welch that they are, but
added that the language could be adjusted.
Welch said he would then ask Parrott to amend his motion to say the city will
fund the tourism bureau, pending the modifications just discussed. Parrot made
the amended motion, and it was again seconded by Horn. The council voted
unanimously to approve the motion.
There was more discussion on this topic, and Lincoln Daily News will offer
complete coverage of those discussions in an additional report early next week.
[Nila Smith]
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