Tax increase for city renovations and projects in voters' hands this November
NORFOLK, Neb. -- The decision to fund a large construction and renovation project in Norfolk is now in the voters’ hands.
In a packed City Council Chamber, Norfolk City Council approved a resolution for voters to decide on a half of a percentile sales tax increase in November. The new tax aims to address key needs in the city, like street repairs and the expansion and renovation of the Norfolk Police Station.
However, the package deal also includes a renovation of Ta-Ha-Zouka Park and the creation of an indoor water complex.
If approved, the sales tax is projected to support debt of $67,000,000 to $78,000,000 depending on interest rates and sales tax growth.
The majority of attendees were in favor of the event, with student-athletes from Norfolk Public Schools and Northeast Community College attending to support sending the decision to voters.
One such person in favor was NPS Swim Coach David Nelson, who said providing facilities like those proposed will give a greater reason for future generations to stay in Norfolk.
"I think just providing something for our youth is important," Nelson said. "Something for safety for our youth, for some recreational opportunities at a reasonable cost, this will help for the wellness of our citizens and also it will grow our local economy by bringing people into town.”
However, not all were in favor of a sales tax increase.
Brenda Test, a resident of Norfolk, said those living paycheck to paycheck cannot afford a tax increase, and with talks of a recession, she said, now was not the time.
"I mean...why now for all the street improvements?" Test asked. "We've had time to work on this and now you're asking us to add another half-cent sales tax to work on these streets when over time we could've been working on these. We keep talking about a recession and you're asking us, taxpayers, to spend an extra half percent. Well, think of those people that are tight with their budgets now, if you just ask them how much tighter it will be with this half-percent sales tax increase."
Preliminary cost estimates of the projects are $8,500,000 for police building expansion and renovation, $12,000,000 for streets improvements, $32,000,000 for indoor aquatics center, and $15,000,000 for Ta-Ha-Zouka Park.
The council approved the resolution 7-1 with Councilman Andrew McCarthy voting in opposition. Voters will be able to make the decision on November 8.