The word "valuation" seems like a catchy real estate term or tax language, but for tens of thousands in Omaha - it could mean more of your hard earned money going to property taxes.
Tuesday morning the county asked the state to reconsider its ruling that would raise property taxes 7 percent across much of west and central Omaha.
That’s half the changes thousands of Omaha residents will go through if the state tax equalization commission decision stands.
In northeast Omaha, thousands could lose 8 percent of total assessed value of their homes and rental properties.
It's a move that could hurt the livelihoods of many, said Councilman Ben Gray.
“You're going to affect all of the housing stock in a particular area without looking at the damage you're doing to the entire area, first of all,” Gray said. “Secondly, to those homes and those homeowners who have significant investment in their property, that's discriminatory to me.”
Gray's concerns for his district in northeast Omaha is one side of what many homeowners and realtors are concerned about, if the three person decision in Lincoln April 27 remains.
Reid Kennedy is a homeowner trying to stop the state from changing local property taxes.
“I think the state is jumping into something they have no right to jump in, you cannot make a blatant increase anytime without justification, and there seems to be no justification,” Reid said.
Kennedy is among many who voiced concern this morning at the county equalization meeting, where commissioners formally announced they are going to ask the state to reconsider their decision, if they don't reconsider, there will likely be an appeal to the state supreme court.
Doug Keegan spoke to the county equalization board, he's with Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom.
"Our members are absolutely furious, we urge you to immediately appeal this decision, not by grandstanding with tax payers, but taking a reasonable approach,” Keegan said. “TERC is appointed by the governor and not accountable tax payers"
Protest forms will likely be available in late May.
If you want to file a complaint, you can go to www.boardofequalization.org
