NRD to reduce levy to make up for illegal tax

CURTIS, Nebraska -- The Middle Republican Natural Resources District will collect no property taxes to make up for a property tax collected in 2008 that was later ruled to be unconstitutional.

The NRD levied the 2008 tax to fund a $9 million bond fund, to buy surface water to keep Nebraska in compliance with the Republican River Compact, but a state court ruled the tax unconstitutional.

A year ago, the MRNRD board took action to determine how, or if, a refund of the property tax portion of that effort could be refunded to the patrons.

Current state law does not provide a legal means for providing a return of property taxes found unconstitutional.

In seeking direction, the Republican River basin NRD's requested an opinion from the Red Willow County District Court. The court's action left it unclear as to how the Districts should proceed.

At last month's meeting, the NRD board discussed a levy reduction to return the property taxes collected in 2008.

This levy reduction will be incorporated into this years budget and will result in "zero" property taxes being collected this year by the MRNRD.

Middle Republican NRD officials reminded the public that monthly board meetings are open to the public, advertised in local newspapers and announced on the district's website, www.mrnrd.org.

The public is encouraged and welcome to attend.