LINCOLN – The City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday night to approve a $129.6 million budget that includes $40,000 for three local nonprofit groups.
A drop in revenues from residential and commercial construction and increased expenses caused the council to dip into general fund reserves to cover an approximately $1 million shortfall.
The city's 2008-09 spending plan calls for $70.5 million in capital improvement projects, including a 14-acre park; $35.5 million in waste-water projects; and the $4.7 million Ferrari Ranch Road interchange along the Highway 65 bypass.
City facilities scheduled to begin construction next year include a 60,000-square-foot corporation yard and improvements to the airport.
The council met Friday afternoon to discuss whether to continue cash contributions to local nonprofit groups.
Council members decided the city would fund the same nonprofits as this year – the Lincoln Community Foundation, Lincoln Arts and Culture Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce – at the same levels.
Councilwoman Linda Stackpoole, who cast the only dissenting vote against the budget Tuesday night, opposed giving cash to the nonprofit groups, saying she would support only in-kind donations.
– Jennifer K. Morita
