Columbus residents Invited to lunch and Learn: special election on sales tax reauthorization

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- Get ready, Columbus residents! The City Council has approved a resolution for a special election to reauthorize the 1% local option sales tax. Mark your calendars for April 10, bring your lunch, and join the community to ask questions and review how the city has spent sales tax revenue in previous years.

All registered voters in Columbus will receive a ballot by mail that they can submit in person or via mail. The form will have two questions discussing Proposition A, which relates to the renewal of the existing 1% sales tax and its planned uses. They will also discuss Proposition B, which is related to the economic development program.

“The 1% sales tax is estimated to generate $6 to $7 million, which the council uses to fund various projects and amenities the public has requested,” said Buckley. “This also helps fund essential equipment for first responders and law enforcement."

"I think sometimes we get hung up on saying, 'Well, that brings you a swimming pool, that brings you a golf course, it brings you a green space in the park.' It also brings ballistic vests to our police department. It also brings firefighting equipment to equip our trucks and our firefighters and the outfits that they wear. So, I mean, the array of items that the 1% sales tax helps cover is essential to us running the city in an efficient manner.”

The 1% local option sales tax event will start at noon on April 10 and end at 1 p.m. Residents who are interested can meet at one of four locations.

Charlie Louis Fire Station, featuring Councilman Charlie Bahr and Fire Chief Ryan Gray, 

Pawnee Plunge Water Park, featuring Mayor Jim Bulkley and Parks Director Betsy Eckhardt.

Columbus Fire Department HQ, featuring Council President Rich Jablonski, Councilman Ron Schilling|, and Finance Director Heather Lindsley.

Columbus Municipal Airport, featuring Councilmen AJ Palensky and J. Prent Roth, and City Administrator Tara Vasicek.