Biennial budget option proposed for NRDs

Natural resources districts (NRDs) would see expanded budget authority under a bill heard by the Natural Resources Committee Jan. 30.

Currently, NRDs may operate only on an annual budget. LB164, introduced by Henderson Sen. Curt Friesen, would allow NRDs to adopt a biennial budget.

Friesen said allowing for a biennial budget would allow NRDs to plan more effectively.

“[LB164] would improve long-term planning for NRDs and provide more certainty to taxpayers,” he said. “Many NRD projects are often multi-year projects and this would assist in project and fiscal planning.”

Glenn Johnson, general manager of the Lower Platte South NRD, spoke in favor of the bill. He said that having to draft and finalize a budget each year can delay completion of projects.

“Right now there is a time period where we’re operating without an adopted budget,” he said. “We have to put off some projects until late in the summer and then we’re past our prime construction season. This would enable us to do a better job of planning and construction.”

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no action on it.