Kathy Allen

The document outlines the combined agendas for the Douglas County Board of Equalization and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. Key discussion and action items for the Board of Equalization include setting a hearing date for Certified Assessment Corrections and considering resolutions regarding denials and approvals of Tax Exemption Form 457 applications. For the Board of Commissioners, agenda items cover approval of claims, various consent agenda items such as approving a Special Designated Liquor License, engineering requests for road improvements and right of way acquisitions, payment of a tort claim, re-allocation of grant funds, surplus property resolution, approval of a deferred compensation plan update, property transfers to the Eastern Nebraska Human Services Agency, a Sheriff's Office MOU with the U.S. Marshal Service, approval of "Demand for Refunds," and implementation of a pay plan for Fourth Judicial District Court employees. The Commissioners will also set a Public Hearing date for a new Class #C License application and discuss potential opposition to legislative bill LB1219. The Health Department requests several agreement and amendment approvals related to grant-funded health initiatives.

The meeting commenced with a roll call for the Douglas County Board of Equalization. Key agenda items involved the approval of minutes from the prior meeting held on May 14, 2024, and scheduling a hearing for certified assessment corrections for June 4, 2024. A significant discussion focused on resolutions C and H concerning proposed denials of real property and business personal property exemption applications for a Danish organization, which were tabled until the next meeting to allow their comment. A lengthy discussion addressed resolution C regarding the Nebraska Family Works program, operated by Heartland Family Service. The presenter argued for maintaining the property tax exemption despite the involvement of a private, for-profit low-income housing tax credit investor (MHEG Fund 42 LP), which holds a 99.99% interest in the LLC that owns the property. The assessor's office recommended denial based solely on the ownership structure, referencing state law that requires property to be owned by a charitable organization or for its exclusive benefit. Commissioners debated the conflict between the charitable use of the facility, which treats pregnant women and children, and the legal ownership structure required for tax credit financing.

The meeting focused primarily on the Community Benefit Report provided by Methodist Health Systems. Key discussions included updates on strategies centered around five pillars: people and culture, commitment to community, quality and safety, smart growth, and integrated system performance. Access to healthcare was detailed through innovative approaches like urgent cares, immediate cares, and a dedicated hotline. The presentation highlighted efforts addressing social determinants of health, including expanding screening mechanisms and utilizing Community Relay software for resource referrals, aiming for true health equity solutions. Progress on cancer care involved focused efforts on early identification via screenings, including the use of a mobile mammography unit, reaching nearly 3,000 patients annually through partnerships. Infant health initiatives, specifically birth equity, involve collaboration with the Black Maternal Health Coalition and distributing resources via the Nebraska Diaper Bank. Mental health services reported serving 1,200 patients, with PTSD stemming from lifelong trauma being a top concern, addressed through school-based counseling that mitigates barriers like trust and transportation. Furthermore, Methodist Health Systems addressed talent acquisition by partnering with immigration and refugee centers and building interest in healthcare careers early in underserved populations through programs like Upward Bound. Financially, total community input impact reached $119 million, with a noticeable shift in the breakdown between financial assistance and the unpaid cost of Medicaid programs following COVID and Medicaid expansion. Future plans include the opening of the 96-bed Methodist Jenny Evanson Behavioral Health Hospital in partnership with Kia Healthcare in 2026.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence honoring the life and contributions of Louise Solomon, a community member. Key discussion items included zoning ordinance final approvals for properties on South Seventh Street (rezoned from H AIR 7) and Jones Street (rezoned from DS 2 CBD). Amendments to street surfacing requirements were also considered. Several resolutions involved plat approvals, specifically for the Falling Water subdivision and Wingate Ranches lots. Liquor license matters were addressed for McKenna's Blues BBQ and American Dream, including requests for additions and deletions to existing licenses. A resolution concerning funding for the domestic violence investigation squad was introduced. Additionally, the council discussed setting dates for future readings and hearings for several ordinances and resolutions, including those related to the Learner Building redevelopment financing loan agreement and a special tax assessment for sidewalk construction.

The meeting addressed the proposal to establish a sister city friendship agreement with Easi, France, aiming for a seventh sister city partnership based on historical ties related to Omaha Beach and future exchanges. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing and the reading of a resolution recognizing the 100th year of the unlawful lynching of Mr. William Brown in 1919, expressing remorse, and committing to eradicating racist acts and systemic inequities. Council members shared appreciation for the efforts leading to the resolution and emphasized the importance of learning from history.