LB 644 Joint Public Hearing Information
Launch the media gallery 1 playerChanges to the formal budget process of NE Political Subdivisions, excluding Educational Service Units, as a result of the passage of NE Legislative Bill 644 (LB644).
While the substantive nature of the budget process for NE Political Subdivisions, such as school districts, will change very little the format for communication to the public has changed. Below is a brief synopsis of what to expect, why the changes are taking place and where to go for questions you may have concerning the changes.
Intent and timeline of Nebraska LB 644.
Timeline: LB 644 was proposed by NE State Senator Ben Hanson in January of 2021, adopted by the NE Unicameral in May of 2021, and signed into law later that month. LB 644 takes effect September of 2022.
Intent:
LB644 the “Property Tax Request Act” was put forward for the purpose of increased transparency for impacted political subdivisions to raise their property tax levies.
LB644’s intent is to increase public notifications and hearings for the public whenever the need for justification is necessary to raise the property tax over the previous year(s).
LB644 requires a postcard be mailed to all constituents in relation to the political subdivisions request for higher levy rates exceeding the previous year(s) request.
Local Impact and what to expect:
Property owners, within the Bayard School District, will receive a postcard notice from their County Assessor’s office of the date, time and location of a Joint Public Hearing. The information to be presented at the Joint Public Hearing will also be presented on September 19, 2022, as part of the Bayard Public Schools Budget Hearing followed by the Tax Request Hearing. The hearings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday September 19th in the Bayard High School Library. The Regular Bayard Board of Education meeting will begin at the conclusion of the hearings. As is the case with all Public Meetings the Hearings and Regular Board of Education Meeting scheduled for September 19th are open to the public and open to public comment.
Contact information:
If you have questions or concerns about the Budget and Tax Request Hearings and Regular Board of Education Meeting to be held on September 19, 2022, or the Joint Public Hearing to be held later in the month, feel free to contact the Bayard Superintendent of Schools, Rod Olson at school (308) 586-1325 or at (402) 984-4193.
Click HERE to view the 2021-2022 average cost per pupil by district.
LB644 Breakdown w/ NASB & NACO from NASB on Vimeo.