Cost of living taking jump in Nebraska City

NEBRASKA CITY – The cost of living in Nebraska City is on the verge of another jump.

Utility bills are projected to rise 18 percent by 2029 and the city’s property tax asking is set to increase by 17 cents above the increase in property valuations.

  JK Energy Consulting says rate increases are necessary in electric, water, wastewater and natural gas to ensure the utility runs in the black.

  Electrical rates will increase 4.8 percent each of the next four years and water and wastewater bills will rise 12 percent.

  Water rate increases of 12 percent for three consecutive years and 5 percent in the fourth year will raise rates by 44 percent. The wastewater rates will increase 34 percent.

 

JK Energy Consulting says utility customers can expect to pay $15 more per month next year.

Property taxes are also expected to rise.

The city expects to collect $1.7 million in property taxes for the general fund and $900,000 for bonds.

Sales tax revenue this year is just above the 2022 level at $2.5 million, but below the $2.6 million forecast.

City Administrator Perry Mader said the city’s overall expenditure decreased by $879,000.

 

Mader: “We saw cuts in almost every aspect of city government.”

Mader said a three-year wage study and a minimum wage increase impacted wages. He said competitive wages are necessary for police, fire and ambulance.

Mader: “They’ve done a great job maintaining their budgets and I really don’t see that changing.”

The police budget has risen $700,000 since 2023 and rescue earnings are up $100,000. Overall, wages and benefits are up $213,000 year over year.

The revenues by department are ranked  with the pool at the top with $819,000, rescue at $761,000, library at $704,000 and golf $228,000.