Bill proposes consolidating Nebraska counties

(AP) — A Nebraska state senator is reviving an old idea Friday that he says may gain new traction as lawmakers focus on saving tax money in tough economic times.

Sen. Rich Pahls of Omaha introduced a bill that would begin the process of consolidating the state's 93 counties down to about 30 by the year 2018.

"The status quo cannot be the answer for the future," Pahls said. "I think most people know changes need to be made."

Thirty is no "magical number," but it's a starting point, Pahls said. He added that ultimately the final number would fall to a legislative committee aimed at long-term planning. The bill asks the committee to find a way to redraw county lines in a manner that's fair, efficient and maintains local control.

The idea has been broached before by lawmakers or others, but it has been regarded as politically risky for state senators who could be seen not for what was saved, but for what could be lost in the process, including government jobs and services.

If saving tax money is the goal, consolidating counties won't necessarily create efficiencies, said Larry Dix, director of the state's county officials' association.

Would consolidation help the state solve its budget woes?

"Not a chance," said Dix, who doesn't believe a sluggish economy will give the idea momentum.

Tax dollars going to counties comprise only a sliver of the total tax levy, he added.

Nebraska's 93 counties were created in pioneer days so residents could travel to their county seats on horseback or by stagecoach, conduct their business, and return to their homes the same day.

But with that reasoning outdated and with population changes, including 11 counties that have fewer than 1,000 people, the proposal's supporters say the consolidation idea deserves consideration.

"If we can get a lot of people to look at this and get the emotional, historical factor removed, we could get something done," Pahls said.