The President of the Nebraska Sheriffs’ Association testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Revenue Committee Tuesday, speaking against the current language in LB1, the Governor’s proposal for broad property tax relief.
Morrill County Sheriff Milo Cardenas says as written, the bill only permits a six percent budget increase annually, only for the purpose of addressing understaffing.
He contends that does not help offset the rising costs for law enforcement vehicles and equipment.
“One examples for equipment are vehicles, small departments, vehicles, and as you guys probably know, jumped from two years to now,” says Cardenas. “We were able to purchase vehicles for $40,000. Now we’re up to $52,000. That’s just a vehicle. But to equip a full vehicle for law enforcement, we’re looking at $80,000 to $85,000.”
Cardenas also says the bills language does not the address the needs in regards to collective bargaining agreements, as well as restraints with hard caps on jail and inmate costs.
