Lincoln's example shows how hard budget cuts can be

Local governmental bodies have been taken to task on this page many times over the years, including recent weeks when budgets for the coming years have all seemed to include levy hikes as well as the usual real spending increases.

Speaking in McCook this morning, Jamie Karl of the state chamber of commerce made a good point, that it does little good to complain to state legislators about property taxes which are levied by local governments, mostly in support of schools.

Yes, state and federal governments do impose many unfunded mandates on local governments, but Nebraska has not collected a state property tax since 1967 and boosted state aid for property tax relief last year.

Some have advocated switching to a mayor-council form of government from our city manager form of government but consider Lincoln's current plight.

The Republican majority on Lincoln's city council passed a budget 4-3, but Mayor Chris Beutler, a Democrat, vetoed it, and the council failed to override.

Pointing to precedent, Beutler contended that meant his budget is in effect and asked the council to approve the 33.366 cents per $100 valuation required to fund his plan.

The council refused, the majority contending theirs is the legal budget, which requires a lower tax rate, which was approved Monday.

Beutler has filed a lawsuit seeking a writ of mandamus to force the council to set the higher rate to end "a crisis which threatens the sovereignty and financial stability of Lincoln."

There's an Oct. 15 deadline for the Lancaster County commissioners to set the official tax levy.

The conflict shows just how difficult it can be to impose change in a small but powerful elected body.

The job doesn't end when we elect officials to perform the tasks we expect of our government.

We need to keep informed to hold them accountable, attend regular meetings as well as budget hearings and consider seeking office if we believe we have something to contribute.