Annexation changes approved

Certain first class cities in Nebraska have greater authority to annex nearby land under a bill passed April 29.

For annexation purposes, LB9, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood, deems land, lots, tracts, streets and highways as contiguous to a first class city even if areas owned by the federal government are located between potentially annexed land and a city’s corporate limits.

The provision applies only to first class cities located in counties with at least three first class cities and prohibits annexation that changes electrical service without approval of the electric utility serving the potentially annexed area.

The bill also allows for a special valuation of agricultural or horticultural land within the boundaries of a city or village if the land is subject to air installation compatible-use zone regulations or is within a flood plain.

LB9 passed on a 46-0 vote and takes effect immediately.