Biennial budget option for NRDs advanced

Senators gave first-round approval Feb. 17 to a bill that would change the budgeting process for natural resources districts (NRDs).

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.”

Omaha Sen. Rick Kolowski supported the bill, saying that it provides NRDs another useful tool.

“[NRDs] don’t have to take advantage of it, but if it fits for a certain district, they have the opportunity to do that,” he said.

Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 40-0 vote.