By Allison Peck
North Platte City Council President Jim Nisley says the city has to balance residents' concerns about property taxes with the need to continue providing city services.
Nisley, who is running unopposed for another term in Ward 1, discussed city finances and growth during Tuesday's Downtown Association candidates forum.
Nisley said the city has been working to limit budget growth and lower its levy while continuing to build the community.
He said city officials have spent time reviewing individual budget items and looking for areas where spending can be controlled.
Nisley also said city leaders need to recognize that the cost of providing services continues to increase.
The discussion included inflation, operating expenses and the need to maintain infrastructure as North Platte grows.
Nisley said the city has been frugal with taxpayer money and argued that officials should continue reviewing the budget closely.
He also pointed to the city's growth in sales tax collections as an important part of the city's financial picture.
Nisley has served on the city council for years and was identified during the forum as the council's longest-serving current member.
The Ward 1 race became unopposed after Sophia Klein withdrew her challenge in September. Nisley is therefore the sole candidate for the seat in the November general election.