NORFOLK, Neb. -- The City of Norfolk had a public dialogue about how future city improvement projects should be funded.

It was the first of what the City Council hopes is many discussions for street repairs and renovations to the Norfolk Police Station.

The format allows the city to present an idea to the public, without the need to vote on any decision.

Council members said it is an opportunity for them to understand what citizens want and to create a plan moving forward.

"We're here today to talk about creative ideas to find ways to fund these priorities," Mayor Josh Moenning said. "There's nothing set in stone. This is purely meant to be the first step in a discussion to formulate a plan to move forward on these community projects."

While no set funding plan is in place the council did provide an idea to the public in the form of an operational tax.

Examples given were an all-alcohol sales tax as well as a lodging tax. Similar taxes have been used in the city before to help fund AquaVenture Park and Memorial Stadium.

After presenting, residents were able to speak, with a majority opposed to funding through taxes.

"In my opinion, there should be no new taxes," said Jim McKenzie of Norfolk. "I don't think the city has a revenue problem. I think we have a spending problem. The city needs to do a deep dive with a committee of citizens to find areas to cut so they can fund the necessary street repairs and police expansion."

According to City Administrator Andy Colvin, the Council is not interested in using property taxes for the project.

A survey has also been set up on the city's website for residents to express how they want projects to be funded.