On a party-line vote, the Lincoln City Council approved a two-year, tax-funded budget — totaling $205 million the first year and $212 million the second year.
The vote was 4-3, with the four Democrats on the council voting for it and the three Republicans voting against it.
The budget includes about $4.9 million in general fund cash reserves for one-time projects, including six police cruisers, new firetrucks and engines, and a $1 million challenge grant that would be used to attract private donations for major park renovations. It also potentially includes nearly $2 million extra over the two years for streets if general fund revenue projections are realized.
In a news release, Mayor Chris Beutler said the budget accomplishes his goal of investing in Lincoln’s future.
“This budget is the road map to build on our momentum and keep our city growing,†he said.
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The budget adds 12 police officers, including six school resource officers. It also includes money for up to 11 new fire apparatus, as well as local match dollars for a federal grant to add up to 15 more firefighters.
Councilwoman Jane Raybould, one of the four Democrats who voted for the budget, said everyone worked hard on it and produced a “good budget.â€
“I’m pretty proud of our work,†she said.
Republican Cyndi Lamm, however, said the budget process was partisan, with the Democrats shooting down all Republican suggestions for changes.
The budget, she said, “turns a deaf ear to the people who have repeatedly asked for tax relief.â€
Though the budget keeps the city’s property tax levy at 31.648 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, it will require many homeowners to pay more in taxes because of higher property valuations.