Street improvement district changes advanced

Lawmakers gave first-round approval April 25 to a measure that would allow first class cities to use general funds to pay for street improvements rather than levy a special assessment on adjacent properties.

Currently, first class cities, which have a population of 5,001 to 100,000, may create improvement districts for the purpose of paving, repaving or making certain other improvements to streets and alleys. The cities are required to levy a special assessment on adjacent properties to fund improvements in the district.

Under LB90, sponsored by Kearney Sen. Stan Clouse, a city could levy a special assessment or fund the improvements at public cost.

He said the change potentially could save property owners significant amounts of money without impairing cities’ ability to repair streets.

LB90 would require the mayor and city council to create an improvement district by ordinance. Additionally, it would expand current law by allowing first class cities to construct sidewalks, public ways and other public spaces — in addition to streets and alleys — in the districts.

First class cities still would be required to provide notice when they create an improvement district, and affected property owners would retain the right to object.

Senators voted 40-0 to advance the bill to select file.