Limits on school, ESU bond elections proposed
A bill that would limit when school bond elections may be held was heard by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan. 22.
LB135, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Rick Holdcroft, would prohibit schools and educational service units from conducting special elections for a bond issue, property tax levy or exceeding a property tax levy limitation. Under the bill, such questions could appear on ballots only during regularly scheduled elections or on traditional election dates.
Holdcroft said the proposal is similar to a bill he sponsored last session, but has been broadened to allow such measures to be considered during primary, general and municipal elections.
He said having school bond questions coincide with regularly scheduled elections, which generally have higher voter turnout than special elections, would engage more voters and make sure their voices are heard on issues that affect their property taxes.
“I believe it is important that there is as much voter input as possible when it comes to proposed ballot questions impacting our tax bills,” Holdcroft said.
Nicole Fox, testifying in support of the measure on behalf of the Platte Institute, agreed. Nebraska has the seventh highest property tax rate in the country, she said, and school bonding and levy overrides are contributing factors.
“LB135 is a good governance bill,” Fox said. “It reflects the need to limit bond elections to when voter turnout is higher.”
Testifying in opposition was Jack Moles, executive director of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association. He said the proposal likely would hinder the ability of many communities to keep pace with enrollment growth and building maintenance because school budget timelines do not necessarily align with the election calendar.
“If the [school] election is tied to a primary or general election, the local board would only get to go to the people every other year to seek approval for an override,” Moles said.
Jeremy Knajdl, business manager for Minden Public Schools, also opposed the bill. Representing the Nebraska Association of School Administrators, he said LB135 unfairly targets schools because it would not restrict the bonding authority of any other political subdivision.
In addition, Knajdl said, primary and general elections occur at the busiest times of the year for agriculture producers in rural communities while special elections done by mail allow voters time to thoughtfully consider ballot issues.
“This is a loss of local control and an undue burden for our schools and our school boards,” Knajdl said.
Kyle Fisher, board member of Springfield Platteview Community Schools, opposed the bill. LB135 could cause schools to have to postpone projects, likely increasing costs over the long term, he said.
“[This bill] would strip an elected board of its ability to manage local affairs efficiently, flexibly and cost-effectively for their district,” Fisher said.
The committee took no immediate action on the proposal.
