County ag society equipment levy advances

Senators advanced a bill from select file Jan. 30 that would increase levy authority for county agricultural societies.

Introduced by O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson, LB597 would expand the use of an agricultural society levy to include purchase of equipment.

Larson introduced an amendment, adopted 31-0, that would require that a society receive consent from the county board before buying, selling or entering into long-term leases with society-owned real estate. Consent would not be required for short-term leases of 90 days or less.

The bill was advanced to final reading by voice vote.