Neligh's Taxable Valuation Increase Is Largest In County

The City of Neligh saw the biggest increase in taxable valuation of any community in Antelope County in 2015.

According to valuations certified Tuesday by Antelope County Assessor Kelly Mueller, Neligh’s total taxable value increased $9,696,475 from last year. 

However, not all of that valuation is considered "new" growth for Neligh. New growth is actually about $4.6 million. Mueller said that figure is the real property and personal property growth for the City of Neligh. 

Valuations For Areas Not Annexed
Much of Neligh’s increase, Mueller said, was due to an update in cost manuals used in assessing property and also with the newly annexed areas. The cost manual update affected all property in the county.

In comparing the property not affected by annexation, that valuation grew by $934,456. Mueller said last year, Neligh valuation increased about $215,000. She said even without the annexation, Neligh would have seen one of largest growths in the county.

“All of the houses were increased even if they didn’t do anything because we changed cost manuals this year,” Mueller said.

Neligh’s overall valuation increased by about 18 percent, as compared to the 13 percent increase for all of Antelope County. 

Valuations For Annexed Areas
Factoring in the newly annexed areas, the City of Neligh’s total taxable valuation increased by about $7.5 million. Mueller said that increase includes Farmers Pride Co-op, which is valued at $4.75 million. That property saw an increase of $3.77 million in valuation due to growth and new construction.

Neligh's three implement dealers - Kayton International, Green Line Equipment and Reinkes - make up nearly $1 million of valuation or about 13 percent of valuations of the annexed areas.

Neligh’s Levy
So what does the increase in tax valuations mean for residents and businesses in the City of Neligh?

City Clerk Dana Klabenes said city officials are working on their budget for next year, and the valuations are a factor in the mill levy. The City of Neligh both lowered its levy and asked for less property taxes last year as compared to the previous year. 

Public documents show the City asked for $476,742 for 2014-15, compared to $507,263 the previous year. The levy also decreased from .968 to .893 this year.