Lincoln City Council members spent nearly three hours Monday reviewing eight proposed amendments to Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird’s proposed 2026-28 city budget, with aging swimming pools, neighborhood investments and public safety drawing the most discussion.
The proposals total more than $1.5 million and would be funded primarily through one-time general fund reserve dollars. The council did not vote Monday and instead used the meeting to question sponsors and city staff.
Much of the hearing focused on Lincoln’s aging public pools. Council Chair Brody Weber proposed adding $750,000 to the city’s pool maintenance and repair contingency fund while also seeking $185,000 for a comprehensive aquatics facilities assessment.
Parks and Recreation Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross told council members much of last year’s repair funding addressed years of deferred maintenance and said major challenges remain. “We know there are challenges ahead, and they are big-ticket challenges,” she said, noting two city pools are now roughly 70 years old.
(Maggie Stuckey Ross)
The most extensive discussion involved Councilman James Bowers’ proposal to provide $152,000 toward reopening Meadow Lane Pool. Bowers said neighborhood volunteers have transformed the former private membership pool into a nonprofit organization, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars privately and plan to operate it as a public-access facility offering daily admissions, memberships and partnerships with community organizations.
“Years from now, no one’s going to remember this line item in the budget,” Bowers said. “They’ll remember children learning to swim.” Several council members questioned whether public funding for the project could establish a precedent for other privately owned pools seeking taxpayer assistance.
Councilman Tom Beckius proposed $150,000 to install security fencing around the Northeast Police Station. The station houses Lancaster County’s emergency communications center in addition to police operations. Police Chief Michon Morrow told council members the facility has experienced security incidents, including vandalism targeting an employee’s vehicle after an encounter with law enforcement.
“We have had security concerns at this location,” Morrow says. Council members also reviewed proposals to:
- Fund engineering work for pedestrian improvements near the Adams Street bridge over Interstate 180.
- Provide matching funds for the Tax Credit Alliance of Nebraska’s free tax preparation program.
- Update the Airpark/Northwest 48th Street neighborhood subarea plan.
- Launch a pilot program supporting neighborhood farmers markets and fresh produce access
The City Council is scheduled to vote July 20 on which amendments will move forward to the formal public budget hearing on Aug. 3