Chief Kaufman said sales tax is fairer than property millage because it spreads burden beyond property owners, but noted some districts cannot use sales tax and must rely on millage or parcel fees; he suggested reviewing exemptions and reassessments to improve fairness.

City staff told the council that the 2026 preliminary operating plan currently shows an estimated $3.4 million shortfall, driven by personnel costs, medical trend increases and shrinking levy capacity; officials discussed shared revenue, municipal services payments and possible options including fees, fund development and targeted referendums.

The Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee approved a joint resolution (26 LSO 166) asking Congress to increase Wyoming’s share of federal mineral royalties; the committee inserted the 87.5%/12.5% split and passed the draft by roll call.

Budget committee discusses revenue assumptions for criminal justice services and Medicaid reimbursements.

Sen. George Dungan introduced LB 8‑51 to repeal an exclusion that allows Nebraska residents to omit income from out‑of‑state S corporations and LLCs on Nebraska returns. Proponents (OpenSky) said repeal would restore tens of millions in revenue concentrated on a small number of high‑income filers; opponents (CPAs, chambers, bankers) warned of double taxation, complex credits and uncertain fiscal gains.

County staff told the board that exports of Lane County waste to out‑of‑county landfills (via Waste Connections subsidiaries) have reduced system‑benefit‑fee remittances and produced an estimated $5 million shortfall in the Solid Waste Fund; staff said it will pursue intergovernmental agreements, delinquent collections and further board work sessions.

Lawmakers debated the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) lawsuit and argued that Department of Revenue treatment of online transactions is reducing local sales tax revenues and harming county school boards; several members urged compelling the department to share collection data and proposed legislative fixes.

Barlow suggests repealing restaurant tax to address county revenue inequities.