Vote Yes on Proposition 1 to Continue Growth for Gering

Voters heading to the polls on May 12 have an opportunity to continue what works for Gering by voting Yes on Proposition No. 1. Voting Yes continues the 1% Sales Tax that has been in place since 1990. This is not a new tax, but a vote to continue the existing tax, which funds various projects and services for residents.

If Proposition No. 1 passes, the funds collected through the 1% Sales Tax will be distributed as follows:

• 60% to property tax relief for residents. 
• 20% to community improvement. 
• 20% to tourism attraction.

This 1% Sales Tax has been in place for 35 years and has already supported the community in countless ways. It has brought new funds to Gering through tourism growth while saving residents millions in property taxes. Learn more about the benefits of Voting Yes on the 1% Sales Tax and how its continuation will benefit the community. 

The 1% Sales Tax Generated $9.8 Million in Property Tax Relief

In the past decade, the existing 1% Sales Tax has saved residents $9.8 million in property taxes. The funds collected through sales support Gering’s general fund and allow it to offer services to the community without raising property taxes. This keeps housing and living costs affordable. Gering has the 11th-lowest property tax levy among Nebraska 1st-class cities.

The funds support the maintenance of local parks, libraries, and other public amenities that residents can enjoy. The 1% Sales Tax also contributes to the Public Safety fund, which includes:

• Police and Fire equipment.
• Patrol vehicles and fire apparatus.
• Safety facilities and capital needs.

In the past 10 years, the 1% Sales Tax has provided $9.8 million in property tax relief for residents. If Proposition No. 1 does not pass, the city may need to raise property taxes to fund essential public services.

Proposition No. 1 Supports Community Development

Roughly 20% of the 1% Sales Tax supports business owners by funding grants and other financial investment opportunities in Gering. A few projects the 1% Sales Tax has funded in recent years include:

• Downtown Façade Improvements (CDBG Grant Match), which allowed five downtown businesses to upgrade their buildings. 
• Downtown Civic Plaza Construction, which created a major community gathering space.
• Civic Center Remodel (2020–2021), which used local funds to match state and federal COVID relief grants.

The 1% Sales Tax funds create safer, more accessible downtown streets, including ADA-accessible crosswalk upgrades.

“These projects bring more people to downtown Gering, where they spend money at local businesses and help them grow,” says Jordan Diedrich, Executive Director of Trusted Community Development (TCD). “They also fund grants that make projects and repairs more affordable for business owners, saving them money while attracting more customers in the long run.”

Voting Yes on Proposition No. 1 means investing in Gering's business community. 

Proposition No. 1 Brings in Tourism Dollars

The final 20% of the funds collected through the 1% Sales Tax is allocated to tourism attraction. The goal is to bring new people to Gering, have them stay in local hotels, and buy from local businesses. The tourists also pay the 1% Sales Tax when they visit the area. This means the more tourists that come to Gering, the more funds are collected.

“Gering residents have the opportunity to share their tax burden with visitors, who contribute to the 1% Sales Tax,” says Diedrich. “These tourists also build up the local economy when they spend their money here.”

Visitor spending in Gering has ranged from $4 million to $7 million annually over the past five years. Tourism supports jobs and generates tax revenue without increasing property taxes.

This is Not a New Tax. Vote Yes to Continue to 1% Program

Proposition No. 1 does not propose a new tax on the citizens of Gering. Instead, it continues the existing tax that has helped residents and business owners for 35 years. There will be no change in the cost of goods and services due to this tax, since it is already in place.

Vote Yes on Proposition No. 1 to continue the good work that the 1% Sales Tax funds. Voting yes supports property owners, entrepreneurs, and all residents of Gering.

Contact the team at Trusted Community Development to learn more about Proposition No. 1 or discuss programs to support local businesses. If you would like a yard sign to show support, they are available in the TCD lobby 24/7 at 1620 Broadway in Scottsbluff.