Nebraska City hunting land will not be taxed

 NEBRASKA CITY -  City commissioners continue to defend their hunting lease on public land north of Nebraska City resisting  a request for access from an isolated landowner and may be expecting higher lease revenue beginning in 2025.

Karen Stigge asked to cross the city’s hunting lease property to access the Clarence Ramold family property near Walnut Creek north of Nebraska City.

Mayor Bryan Bequette said the person who holds the city’s hunting lease will not want people crossing the property unexpectedly. He recommended that the family pursue creation of a public road through the Otoe County  Board.

Road F stops at a private driveway. District Judge Julie Smith dismissed a lawsuit today where access was contested, including continuing on Road F.

City Clerk Randy Dunster said the city believed whoever leases the city property would have to pay property taxes on it, but learned that the Otoe County Assessor had determined that the city’s tax exemption will prevail through the lease. The land will not be taxed because it is being protected as a former landfill and can not be developed or built upon. The hunting lease does not negate the public purpose, so the land can be leased without taxation.

Dunster said having untaxable hunting land could lead to an increase in the lease amount. The land is currently being leased for hunting at $1,500 a year.

Dunster said Stigge would have access to her land if she leased the city property when the lease next comes due.