Show All Answers

1. Is the half-cent tax new?

No. La Vista voters approved the half-cent sales tax for street improvements in 1990 with an initial expiration of 10 years. It was renewed in 2000 and 2010, the last time with a 15-year sunset. Approval for continuation of the City’s half-cent sales tax would not be an increase from the current level collected in the City — it would be maintaining what exists.

2. Why is the half-cent sales tax important?

Since its inception, the half-cent sales tax has generated over $35 million and funded most of the City’s major street improvements and other capital projects. Currently, the sales tax generates about $2.5 million annually, which helps pay for the annual debt payments for the City. Without the half-cent sales tax, other revenue sources would be needed to make debt payments.

3. What past projects has the half-cent sales tax funded?

The half-cent sales tax has paid for all or a portion of most major street improvement projects and other capital expenditures, including:

• Harrison Street widening (4 lanes/divided) – 72nd to 90th (Pine Drive)
• Giles Road widening (4 lanes/divided) – 72nd to 107th
• Cornhusker Road (Portal) 96th to 100th  
• 66th Street (Giles to Harrison)
• 84th & Park View Blvd. improvements
• 96th Street (Giles to Cornhusker) (Portal)
• 78th & Harrison signalization
• 72nd Street pedestrian crossing signalization & improvements (various crossings)
• Sports Complex parking improvements
• 114th Street improvements north of Giles
• 84th Street improvements (Giles to Harrison)
• Cornhusker/Portal/107th Street realignment
• West Papio Trail
• Keystone Trail
• 96th & Brentwood signalization
• 132nd & West Giles improvements
• 120th & Giles signalization
• Harrison Street Bridge improvements
• Annual street resurfacing projects
• Annual sidewalk district improvements

4. What would happen if the half-cent sales tax is not renewed by voters?

If voters do not approve the continuation of the City’s half-cent sales tax, alternative solutions such as service reductions or tax increases would need to be considered in order to pay for existing debt. The City Council would also have to determine which current and future projects to delay or cancel.

5. What planned future projects would potentially be impacted if the half-cent sales tax is not renewed?

Some of the projects included in the City’s multi-year Capital Improvement Program that could potentially lose funding if the half-cent sales tax is not renewed include:

• East La Vista Sewer Project — pavement portion (FY23)
• 120th & Giles drainage improvements (FY23)
• Storm sewer inlet top repair (FY23)
• 73rd Ave. culvert rehabilitation (FY23)
• Giles Road rehabilitation (FY23)
• Ultra-thin bonded asphalt (UBAS) Harrison to Josephine (FY23)
• Asphalt mill and overlay Terry Dr. and 78th St. (FY23)
• Corridor 84 Streetscape phases (FY23-FY26)
• Central Park East access road (FY24)
• Harrison Street Bridge (FY25)
• Various concrete and asphalt street rehabilitation projects (FY25-FY27)