Street improvement district changes approved

Lawmakers passed a measure May 9 allowing first class cities to use general funds to pay for street improvements rather than levy a special assessment on adjacent properties.

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 had been 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 may levy a special assessment or fund the improvements at public cost.

The measure requires the mayor and city council to create an improvement district by ordinance. Additionally, it expands the law to allow first class cities to construct sidewalks, public ways and other public spaces — in addition to streets and alleys — in the districts.

The bill passed on a vote of 48-0.