Public Meeting: Wednesday, October 23, at 7:00 p.m. Located at the Eustis Senior Center. 111 North Main Street, Eustis.
Vote yes to a secure future for eustis
This campaign is a partnership between the Village of Eustis Trustees and FOOI, Inc., the economic development group of Eustis, Neb.
what is lb 840?
LB 840 allows communities like Eustis to secure their future. By approving a local tax, we can fund projects that will:
- Attract businesses
- Assist with housing and childcare development
- Support the local senior center
- Improve our quality of life
How much of a tax increase?
LB 840 is a small tax that can make a big difference in our community.
The proposed 0.5% sales tax is expected to generate $40,000 annually, providing vital funds to revitalize the local economy.
The additional 0.5% sales tax, if approved, will raise the overall local sales tax to 7%, with 5.5% allocated to the State of Nebraska and 1% currently dedicated to reducing property taxes and investing in local infrastructure.
How does it work?
Community plan
The Village of Eustis and our local economic development group, FOOI, will create a plan outlining how the tax money will be used to benefit Eustis. This plan will be voted on by residents.
local investment
Once approved, the tax will be collected and used to fund projects that support our community's growth.
- The sales and use tax generally applies to the sale, lease, or rental of most goods and some services.
- Items like groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical devices are typically exempt, ensuring that essential living costs remain unaffected for most families.
What kinds of projects can be funded?
- Business Support: Loans, grants, and training for local businesses.
- Job Creation: Programs that help create new jobs and attract businesses.
- Housing Development: Support for affordable housing projects.
- Community Services: Programs and services for all ages like child care, early childhood education, and our senior center.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrades to roads, utilities, and public spaces.
why is LB 840 important for eustis?
By investing in our community through LB 840, we can:
- Create Jobs: Boost our local economy and provide opportunities for residents.
- Attract Businesses: Make Eustis an attractive place for companies to locate.
- Improve Our Quality of Life: Enhance our community's amenities and services.
Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Eustis.
Press release
Eustis Voters to Decide on Sales Tax to Support Senior Center, Economic Development
(October 2, 2024) Eustis, Neb. – In a pivotal moment for the Village of Eustis, voters will soon decide on a proposal that 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.
The additional 0.5% sales tax, if approved, will raise the overall local sales tax to 7%, with 5.5% allocated to the state and 1% currently dedicated to reducing property taxes and investing in local infrastructure. The new tax is expected to generate approximately $40,000 annually, providing vital funds that can be used to attract businesses, assist with housing and childcare development, and critically, support the local senior center.
“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., the local nonprofit entity that is serving as 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.”
In addition to benefiting the senior center, the economic development funds could be used to attract new businesses, create jobs and revitalize the local economy. The ability to assist with housing and childcare development also addresses pressing needs within the community, ensuring that Eustis remains a viable and attractive place to live and work.
“Over the last couple of years FOOI has worked closely with the Village to try to address these economic development issues, but neither the Village nor FOOI alone can take on the financial responsibility to move the need,” said Keller. “Approving this economic development program will give us the tools we need to be competitive with the rest of the state in attracting businesses and families to Eustis.”
The vote on the LB 840 plan and the accompanying sales tax increase is a crucial step in leveling the playing field with other communities in Nebraska that have already taken similar measures. Over 90 communities across Nebraska have approved an LB 840 economic development program, including the towns of Curtis, Cambridge, Arapaho, Cozad, Lexington, Holdrege and Gothenburg. Without this funding, Eustis could fall behind in its ability to compete for business investment and development opportunities.
It is important for residents to understand what types of transactions will be affected by the proposed sales tax. The sales and use tax generally applies to the sale, lease, or rental of most goods and some services. Items like groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical devices are typically exempt, ensuring that essential living costs remain unaffected for most families.
An informational meeting will be held to discuss the proposal in more detail and to answer any questions from the public. FOOI will host the meetings at the Eustis Senior Center (111 North Main Street) on Wednesday, October 23, at 7:00 p.m. All residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the conversation about the future of Eustis.
“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, who have given so much to Eustis. We urge everyone to consider the impact of this decision and to make their voices heard at the polls.”
This campaign is a partnership between the Village of Eustis Trustees and FOOI, Inc., the economic development group of Eustis, Neb.