City has no candidates for finance commissioner
Sharp says broader tax base is welcome
NEBRASKA CITY – Nebraska City voters have an empty ballot for the city council’s finance commissioner following the deadline for candidates to file.
Incumbent Cole Sharp is not seeking re-election and there have been no other filings for the post.
Sharp referenced the establishment of a separate city treasurer’s position and housing development as highlights of his term.
He said the appointment of Katie Heng as the role of treasurer helps ensure that the city has knowledgeable staff regarding the details of each budget cycle even if city administrators or elected finance commissioners change.
The city clerk had duties of city treasurer prior to restructuring.
The Nebraska Legislature’s current budget negotiations are impacted by a projected $646 million deficit and Sharp said tight spending realities are flowing into the municipal level as state dollars dwindle.
Sharp: “Whoever sits in the position of finance commissioner here or does this in other municipalities will have to think about the most effective way to fund operations of the cities while making sure they don’t shift the burden to citizens more than they have to.”
Sharp said the city's finance commissioner will likely welcome a broader tax base that new jobs and new housing can bring.