League of Nebraska Municipalities
July 2024
Special Session could impact municipal departments
By Lash Chaffin, Utilities Section Director
On July 25, the Governor called the Legislature into a special session to “fix the property tax crisis.” As part of this effort, the Governor brought forward LB 1. The 140-page bill includes a property tax cap on municipalities and counties which would be the greater of 0% or the consumer price index percentage. There would be exceptions to the cap for approved bonds, emergencies, service relating to imminent and significant threat to public health or safety not previously provided, interlocal agreements relating to public safety, unused property tax authority not to exceed 5%, and a 6% increase in compensation for understaffed law enforcement officers, firefighters, or corrections officers.
LB1 would eliminate the existing lid on restricted funds for municipalities and counties.
LB1 would not address the impact of tax increment financing issues created by a property tax cap.
In the 2024 regular legislative session, the League and Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) negotiated a cap which was the greater of 3% or the consumer price index percentage with several important exceptions to the cap and clarifying language. The negotiated agreement also had extensive language on important exceptions. This negotiated cap
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and important language was not included in LB 1.
The League Executive Board voted unanimously to oppose a property tax cap on municipalities of 0% or the consumer price index percentage, whichever is greater.
In addition, the League strongly opposes several other provisions in LB 1 which would be detrimental to municipalities. For example, LB 1 would increase the keno tax from 2% to 5% on municipalities and counties. LB 1 also would allocate “the increase in (state and local option) sales tax revenue received as a result of the changes made by this legislative bill” to the Education Future Fund; municipalities with local option sales tax would receive none of the funds from the expanded sales tax base due to eliminating sales tax exemptions and/or taxing other items previously not subject to a sales tax.
In response to LB 1, at the request of the League and the NACO, Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln introduced LB 80 which will be supported by the League.
LB 80 does include a property tax cap on municipalities and counties but that cap would be the greater of 5% or the consumer price index percentage. LB 80 would include a number of exceptions to this cap including approved bonds, capital
LEGISLATIVE
improvements, service subject to an agreement or modification of existing interlocal agreement, emergencies, unused property tax authority not to exceed 5%, public safety expenses, additional increase approved by voters, and replacement of revenue eliminated or reduced by the Legislature.
LB 80 would eliminate the existing lid on restricted funds.
LB 80 also includes extensive language to protect tax increment financing.
LB 80 also would eliminate the annual pink postcard and possible joint public hearing requirement in current law.
LB 80 also would eliminate the existing caps on occupation taxes. Watch the League Legislative Bulletin for ongoing updates on these important issues.
Lash Chaffin
As newspapers close, city leaders grapple with keeping residents informed
Reprinted with permission from Minnesota Cities
By Luke Fischer
I’ll never forget my first professional interaction with local newspapers. It was 2010 and I had been named the new city administrator in Watertown. I was excited and nervous to talk with the reporters. Two newspapers — my hometown paper, the Delano Herald Journal , and the Carver County News — each covered the move I was making from intern in Delano to city administrator in Watertown, and both stories were published on the front pages.
Looking back, the coverage was a little milquetoast. Something along the lines of, “local guy makes a predictable move,” with a little background on who I was. But on my first day in my new gig, the local Chamber of Commerce president showed up at City Hall and said, “I read about you in the paper and I’m here to welcome you to Watertown!” I wonder if that kind of greeting would happen today.
Maybe you’ve heard the news — or maybe you haven’t. That’s because there are fewer local
newspapers in communities across the country than ever before. A recent report by Axios tells a bleak story. Perhaps as many as one-third of local papers existing 20 years ago will be gone by the end of this year. That’s a problem for cities across the state.
At a recent meeting with city leaders in the Brainerd lakes area, one city council member took on the issue directly. With the myriad of bad bills focused on limiting local decision making at the Legislature this past session, the councilor lamented that the public had little awareness of how this legislation would impact decades-long work in the community. He talked about losing the local newspaper a couple of years ago, and how much harder it was to keep people informed and engaged.
Beyond keeping the public informed about important decisions made at city hall, local newspapers helped connect us to one another on a personal level. Papers conveyed a certain amount of humanity that brought folks closer together. Alongside a story about replacing a bridge, you’d maybe find something about an Eagle Scout project in the
works or a story about someone celebrating their 100th birthday. It’s likely that local newspapers will continue to close, and few will be revived. So, what can we do to keep the public informed and hold our communities together?
Meet your residents where they are. Chances are good you know where to go in your community when you want the scoop on something that’s happening. If you’re not sure where people are getting their information, it is OK to ask residents where they’re hearing things. As you identify
Luke Fischer Executive Director League of Minnesota Cities
As newspapers close, city leaders grapple with keeping residents informed
Continued from page 2 those venues, look for opportunities to share information about what’s impacting the community.
Socialize decision-making processes. As mundane as it may have seemed at the time, one of the things newspapers did well was describe the local government decision-making process. It gave people insight into the who, what, where, and why of city council business. If someone had an opinion, they knew who to talk to, when the meeting was going to happen, and where to show up. For a decision to hold up to scrutiny, it’s essential that people know how it was made — and their role as
members of the public.
Make it personal. Just like newspapers covered the humaninterest pieces that connected us, it is key for local leaders to humanize the work they’re doing.
Talk about the big job the park maintenance crew has in keeping the ballfields in prime condition for the tournament, share a little about the retiring firefighter and the number of calls she made, and connect the water main break to the workers that jumped in the hole to fix it in the middle of the night. Those stories help people understand all it takes to make a city happen.
When I think about the Delano
Herald Journal and Carver County News , I now realize how lucky I was in my early career to have weekly newspapers covering every city council meeting, chamber gathering, and school event. It made it easier for the community to have shared stories about who we were and what was going on. I think we’ve lost that sense of connection in a lot of places, but it’s something we all yearn for. When it comes to city business, there is a void in many communities — and it’s one that we can help to fill.
Luke Fischer is Executive Director of the League of Minnesota Cities. Contact: lfischer@lmc.org or (651) 281-1279.
Above: Rendering of the new League Building by Clark Enersen; Right: Photo of old League Building.
2024 Waste Screening Workshop recap
By Jackson Sash, Utilities Field Rep./Training Coordinator
This June, the Utilities Section hosted a series of four Hazardous Waste Identification and Random Load Screening Workshops for landfill and transfer station operators. Nebraska Title 132 Chapters 3 and 6 specify that within one year of employment, all facility operators must have training to recognize and properly handle regulated hazardous wastes or banned wastes that may be delivered to a solid waste management facility. Additionally, facilities must have an approved waste screening plan to remain compliant with state law. These regulations are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, citizens, and the environment. The Utilities Section offers these training courses to help facilitate the safe and compliant operation of landfills and transfer stations throughout the State of Nebraska.
This year, we hosted a total of four Waste Screening Workshops – one in Chadron and Columbus
and two in Hastings. In total, we had attendees from 15 different facilities, both publicly-owned and privately-owned. The publiclyowned landfills in attendance were the Alliance Municipal Landfill, Kimball Landfill, Solid Waste Agency of Northwest Nebraska (SWANN), Beatrice Area Solid Waste Agency, Hastings Landfill, Kearney Landfill, and York County Solid Waste Center. The publicly-owned transfer stations in attendance were the Columbus Transfer Station, Plainview Transfer Station, Pilger Transfer Station, North Platte Transfer Station, and Fairbury Transfer Station. The Fremont Wastewater Treatment Plant also attended due to an onsite compost facility. The privately owned facilities in attendance were Smart Soil, a private compost facility, and the G and P Landfill, located outside of Milford.
Attendees received training on hazardous waste identification including topics such as the history of waste management in Nebraska, how to read fire diamonds, different categories of hazardous
waste, methods to determine if an unknown substance is hazardous, and household hazardous waste. In the Waste Screening and Random Load Inspection section, we covered how to determine the kinds of hazardous waste you may encounter, minimum requirements for random load inspections, record keeping, and permits. We also discussed some heavy machinery safety and customer service topics. If these trainings sound like something your facility employees may be required to attend, reach out to your state inspector and they can determine what level of training is required. If you want to attend one of these trainings, check the Utilities Section Newsletter or League website in the spring of 2025 for more information.
Engineering a world where everyone thrives.
SAFETY/HEALTH CORNER
Understanding UV light
By Jackson Sash, Utilities Field Rep./Training Coordinator
Ultraviolet (UV) light, a form of electromagnetic radiation, originates from the sun and various artificial sources, including tanning beds and certain types of lamps. Although UV light is invisible to the human eye, it can significantly impact our health and the environment. UV radiation is categorized into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA has the longest wavelength and can penetrate deep into the skin, leading to aging and long-term skin damage.
UVB has a medium wavelength and is primarily responsible for sunburn and most skin cancers. UVC has the shortest wavelength, but it is mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach the ground.
Health Risks of UV Exposure
Exposure to UV radiation, whether from the sun or artificial sources, can pose several health risks. The most severe risk is skin cancer. UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin, contributing to premature aging, which manifests as wrinkles and age spots. UV light also poses a risk
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Utilities Section Newsletter
Understanding UV light
Continued from page 5
to eye health, potentially causing cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. Furthermore, excessive UV exposure can weaken the immune system, reducing the skin's ability to protect against infections.
Tips for UV Light Safety
To protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation, it is crucial to limit sun exposure. Seeking shade, especially 10 a.m.-4 p.m. when UV radiation is strongest, is a simple yet effective measure. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat, can help cover exposed skin. Additionally, using sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays is essential for protecting your eyes. Applying sunscreen is another important step. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Do not forget to protect your lips by using a lip balm with SPF.
Checking the daily UV index in your area can help you gauge the level of UV radiation and take
appropriate precautions. Educating and advocating for UV safety is vital. Spread awareness about the dangers of UV radiation and promote safe practices among family, friends, and coworkers. Demonstrating good UV safety habits in your daily life sets a positive example for others.
Conclusion
Taking precautions against UV radiation is essential for protecting your health. By understanding the risks and following safety measures, you can enjoy the sun and other UV sources responsibly. Stay safe, stay informed, and spread the word about UV light safety.
45 years of service
Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg presents awards to Jeff Shanahan, Utilities General Manager, and Karen Dunker, Utilities Customer Service Lead, to celebrate their 45th anniversaries with the City of Fremont. Photos courtesy of the City of Fremont.
Service Awards
Remember to recognize your employees’ anniversary milestones. The League provides certificates for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65.
You can request them by emailing brendah@ lonm.org.
Retirements: Let us help recognize those municipal employees who are retiring after years of service.
Utilities Section Newsletter
Integrated waste management
This article was written by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. More articles, tools, and resources can be found at dee.ne.gov or email the NDEE public information office at ndee.moreinfo@nebraska.gov.
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) regulates the processing and disposal of all solid waste in the state through the Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Program. The purpose of the IWM Program is to ensure proper management of solid waste. Regulations for solid waste disposal are incorporated in Title 132 – Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations In 1992, the Nebraska Legislature passed the Integrated Solid Waste
Management Act in order to better manage the volume of waste in landfills and encourage recycling. In years prior, Nebraska communities of less than 5,000 were allowed to utilize unregulated landfills. In the mid-1980s, 356 of these unregulated sites were documented in the state.
Proper solid waste disposal is a crucial and necessary public utility. As regulated sites, landfills are required to obtain permits issued by NDEE and pay applicable
permitting fees . Permits cover construction and operation aspects of a landfill. Nebraska has a total of 22 engineered, permitted, and lined landfills.
Prior to the permitting and construction of a new landfill, a local siting process must occur. During this process, local governing bodies assess if the proposed landfill construction plans meet the required criteria for approval and provides opportunity for public
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Utilities Section Newsletter
Classifieds
The Village of Morrill is accepting applications for a full-time position to work in the Street & Alley, Water and Sewer Department. Applications and job descriptions are available on the website at www.villageofmorrill.com . The position will remain open until filled. Applications can be emailed to janine@villageofmorrill.com, dropped off at 118 S Center Avenue, Morrill, NE, or mailed to PO Box 305, Morrill, NE 69358.
Line Technician. The City of Auburn of Board of Public Works is accepting applications for an Electric Line Technician. Qualifications
Utilities Section Members can place an ad in the classifieds section of the Utilities Section Newsletter for free. Email your ad to brendah@ lonm.org.
include successful completion of an accredited Journeyman Lineman program or consideration for a documented Journeyman Lineman through verifiable experience. Lineman apprentice applications will be accepted. Experience in construction, installation, maintenance and repair of electric transmission and distribution lines. Knowledgeable of and ability to train in electrical distribution and transmission line construction, electrical apparatus such as singlephase transformers, three-phase transformer banks, voltage testing, rotation and regulators, and line switching clearance procedures and grounding. Compliance with all safety policies and procedures. Valid CDL or ability to obtain an acceptable driving record. Candidates will be subject to a criminal background check. Successfully pass DOT physicals/ drug tests as required. Ability
Integrated waste management
Continued from page 7
input. If construction of the landfill is approved, a construction permit from NDEE can be applied for.
All permitted landfills are required to provide financial assurance for closure, post-closure care, and monitoring. Financial assurance means the owner of a landfill is required to take responsibility for the financial costs of a landfill’s closure and maintenance after being closed.
The typical lifespan of a landfill is between 30-100 years. Once a landfill has been officially closed to operations, it undergoes postclosure care for a minimum of 30
years. The average remaining life of Nebraska’s 22 permitted landfills is 39 years.
NDEE’s Integrated Waste Management List of Permitted Facilities page contains information regarding the types of solid waste management facilities in Nebraska and maps displaying their locations.
Other activities carried out by NDEE’s IWM Program include:
• Inspecting landfills for compliance and carrying out enforcement actions
• Investigating groundwater and groundwater/soil remediation projects for permitted and non-
to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Must reside within 30 miles of Service Center at 1604 O Street, Auburn, NE. The starting pay rate for this position is $32.24-$37.78 per hour depending on experience. Job description is available upon request. Applications are available at auburnbpw.com. Return to: Board of Public Works at 1600 O Street, Auburn, NE 68305. For questions about the position, contact Kevin Kuhlmann or Ray Luhring at (402) 274-4981. Position will remain open until filled.
permitted facilities
• Monitoring gas emissions related to landfills
• Closure inspecting and monitoring of closure and postclosure activities
• Conducting public information sessions and hearings related to permits
• Responding to complaints about solid waste issues
Facilities and the public can contact NDEE’s Integrated Waste Program at 402-471-2186 or by email: ndee.solidwaste@nebraska. gov. Environmental pollution problems can be reported through NDEE’s Report a Problem page.
Utilities Section Newsletter
2024 Training calendar
Visit our website for a complete list of workshops and conferences.
August
Aug. 13
Backflow Workshop
Aug. 14 Backflow Workshop
Valentino's, Beatrice
Fire Hall, Wayne
Aug. 15 .......... Water Operator Training Workshop .......... Memorial Library, Seward
Aug. 20
Aug. 21
Backflow Workshop
Backflow Workshop
MidPlains Community College, Ogallala
Full Circle Venue (downtown), Grand Island
Aug. 22 .......... Water Operator Training Workshop .......... Engineering Building, Grand Island
Aug. 27-29 Rubber Gloving School
September
Sept. 4-5
Sept. 10
Electric Underground School
Don Winkelman Training Field, Sidney
Don Winkelman Training Field, Sidney
Water Operator Training Workshop Fire Hall, Sidney
Sept. 11.......... Water Operator Training Workshop .......... Water Shop, North Platte
Sept. 12
October
Oct. 2-4
Oct. 22
Oct. 23 ...........
Oct. 24
December
Dec. 10
Dec. 12
Water Operator Training Workshop Country Club, Alma
League Annual Conference
Water Operator Training Workshop
Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln
DHHS Facility – Room 110, Norfolk
Water Operator Training Workshop .......... Community Meeting Room – 3rd Floor, Columbus
Water Operator Training Workshop Christensen Field, Fremont
Water Operator Training Workshop Lincoln
Water Operator Training Workshop Falls City
Utilities Section Executive Board
President
Duane Hoffman
Public Works Director Oxford
1st Vice President
Pat Heath
City Administrator
Gering
2nd Vice President
Gary Thurlow Utility Superintendent Atkinson
Board Member
Sarah Sawin
Asst. Director of Utilities Kearney
Board Member
Matt Owens
Water & Sewer Supervisor
Imperial
Board Member
Jeramie Van Leer
Utility Superintendent
Ord
Ex Officio Member
Layne Groseth
City Administrator and Utilities Manager
North Platte