Fiscal Year Budget Approved by Lancaster County Board

LINCOLN–(KFOR/News Release Sept. 3)–The 2024-25 fiscal year county budget was approved Tuesday morning by the Lancaster County Board. While there has been some challenges due to inflation and increased staffing costs and service demands, the tax levy will stay at 22.2 cents per $100 valuation.

In a news release to KFOR, commissioners said the budget represents a comprehensive plan to address a combination of state mandates, local priorities, public safety, and infrastructure needs. In addition to budgeting the use of funds derived from property taxes and other revenue sources, the budget also includes approximately $13 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Lancaster County’s three largest internal agency budgets are County Engineer ($38,173,737), Corrections ($37,898,160), and County Sheriff ($18,513,034).

“After excluding real growth from the actual valuation increase of 3.88%, the annual taxable growth is 1.91%. That number reflects the great work of our department directors and elected officials in effectively managing their agency budgets while continuing to provide top-notch services to our community,” said Lancaster County Board Chair Sean Flowerday.

By transferring $3 million to the sinking fund balance that will allow the County to access $66 million in federal funding for generational infrastructure projects. Criminal justice reform by adding two caseworkers to administer reentry programs and services at the Jail with an emphasis on decreasing the jail population by reducing tendencies of reoffending. Enhancing the County’s community engagement, accessibility, and attentiveness by providing timely, accessible, and accurate public safety information through a newly created public information officer position in the Sheriff’s Office.

“The 2024-2025 budget provides funding in critical areas that will ensure the delivery of essential county services and obligations while continuing to further important initiatives including reducing recidivism with the addition of two reentry caseworkers at the Jail,” according to County Board member Christa Yoakum.

County Board vice chair Rick Vest said,”Once again, the Lancaster County Board thoughtfully developed a fiscally responsible budget that allows our 20 plus agencies to support their missions and continue their service to the community. I am pleased that our budget provides the resources and tools to continue the growth of Lancaster County, while respecting the health and wellbeing of our residents.”

The budget would run through the fiscal year that started on July 1 and runs through June 30, 2025.