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Voters in the village of Eustis will decide a proposed 0.5% sales and use tax that could be used to attract businesses, assist with housing and childcare, and support the senior center.
could significantly impact the community's future growth and sustainability. The general election, set for November 5, 2024, will include local Eustis items in addition to those covering national and statewide politics. Registered voters of the Village will also be asked to vote to approve an economic development program under the LB 840 plan and to fund that program through a new 0.5% sales and use tax.
If approved, the additional tax will raise the overall sales tax to 7%, with 5.5% allocated to the state and 1% allocated to Eustis. The tax is expected to generate about $40,000 annually.
"Our senior center has been a cornerstone of the Eustis community for years, offering essential services and a gathering place for our older residents," said Doug Keller of FOOI, Inc., a Eustis nonprofit entity that is the driving force behind the ballot initiative. "However, it has struggled in recent years to maintain operations. The approval of this program could be the lifeline we need to keep it open and thriving."
The ability to assist with housing and childcare development also addresses pressing needs, organizers say.
Keller said FOOI has worked with the village to try to address those needs, but neither the entity alone can take on the financial responsibility to fulfill the need,
Organizers note that more than 90 communities across Nebraska have approved a similar LB 840 economic development program, including Curtis, Cambridge, Arapahoe, Cozad, Lexington, Holdrege and Gothenburg. They said without the funding, Eustis could fall behind in its ability to compete for business investment and opportunities.
The sales and use tax generally applies to the sale, lease, or rental of most goods and some services. Such items as groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical devices are typically exempt, so essential living costs won't be affected for most families.
An informational meeting to discuss the proposal in more detail will be held at the Eustis Senior Center (111 North Main St.) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Residents are encouraged to attend.
"This is about more than just numbers on a page," said John Keifer, FOOI President. "It's about securing a future for our community, our families, and especially our seniors."