Sarpy County’s budget for Fiscal Year 2024 keeps the levy flat and lowers spending while investing in key projects that support the county’s rapid growth.
Projects funded in the $272.8 million dollar budget include:
- New road construction: $50 million
- New Correctional Center: $5.2 million
- Sewer improvements: $4.3 million
- Master Plan improvements to Sarpy campus: $2.8 million
The budget also includes $12.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for important one-time projects and critical infrastructure projects, and it adds $5.6 million to the General Fund budgetary reserve, a best practice to support future needs.
“We’ve invested heavily in the future without raising the levy, and in fact last year, we lowered it and are maintaining that lower levy for this budget. We’ve funded once-in-a-generation projects with responsible budgeting and take pride in the county’s Triple A bond rating because of it,” Sarpy County Board Chair Angi Burmeister said. “This budget continues that strong tradition of investing in critical projects while protecting taxpayer dollars.”
The county board voted 4-0 to adopt the budget on Tuesday, August 29.
Under the budget, the levy remains unchanged at $.28496 cents per $100 valuation, Sarpy County’s lowest since at least 1985.
Under this levy, a property valued at $280,121 would pay $798.23 annually in property taxes to the county. The county’s levy pays for many services, including a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year 911 center, a Sheriff’s Department that upholds public safety, and a Public Works Department that builds and maintains thousands of miles of roads.
Despite an unchanged levy, residents will likely pay more in property taxes due to rising valuations. Property values across Sarpy County grew 14.6%, which includes 3.5% of new growth.
Less than 13% of a resident’s property tax bill goes to Sarpy County to fund county operations.
"Sarpy has a long track record of fiscal responsibility while meeting the needs of our residents and investing in the future,” Sarpy County Commissioner David Klug said. “We’re proud to hold the levy flat after lowering it last year and to cut spending by 6 percent, all while continuing to deliver a high standard of county services.”
[See more: Fiscal Year 2024 Budget]
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About Sarpy County
Sarpy County is the fastest-growing county in the state of Nebraska, attracting new residents, visitors, businesses and jobs each year. Sarpy County is home to the cities of Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Gretna and Springfield, as well as Offutt Air Force Base. In less than 20 minutes, you can travel from the vibrant urban centers to beautiful outdoor recreational areas and activities. More information is available at Sarpy.gov.