Patti Jo Peterson
Managing editor

Plattsmouth City Council approved ordinances Monday establishing two new occupation taxes.

The first is a 5 percent tax on telephone companies including mobile telecommunications services.

"While I believe the current ordinance imposes such a tax and some mobile/cell/wireless companies submit the tax, others do not," explained City Administrator Erv Portis. "This amendment makes it very clear that the occupation tax applies to such services.

Revenue from the tax will go toward the city’s general operating fund.

The second ordinance imposes an occupation tax on liquor licensees who pay the fees to the city.

"Nebraska law requires that we collect and pass all license fees on to the school fund of the local school district," Portis explained. "We collect nothing now for the cost of administering and policing licensees."

State statues allow municipalities to collect an occupation tax on liquor licenses not to exceed twice the amount of the license fee. The city of Plattsmouth, however, will not be imposing the maximum tax and will collect the same cost as the license.

Councilman Rod Jenkins said most cities are already charging the tax.

"It’s rare we only charge one time," added Mayor Paul Lambert. "We need to cover the cost of administrative fees and policing."

Portis said last year, the city collected $4,075 in license fees. "With an occupation tax equivalent to the license fee, net effect to the general fund will be an additional $4,075 annually," Portis said.

The council also approved allowing the city clerk administrative authority to approve special designated liquor licenses when filing and application deadlines do not allow for the application to be considered at a regularly scheduled council meeting.