Voters reject Buffalo County Law Enforcement Center proposal, approve Elm Creek sales tax

KEARNEY, Neb. — Plans for a new $72 million law enforcement center in central Nebraska have been rejected by Buffalo County voters.

Final results show nearly two-thirds of voters opposed a six-cent levy increase that would have funded the project in Kearney. The center would have housed both the Kearney Police Department and the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office.

County officials reported 7,641 mail-in ballots cast Tuesday were “no” votes, compared with just under 3,778 in favor.

In Elm Creek, voters narrowly approved an increase in the local sales and use tax. Unofficial results showed 137 in favor and 113 opposed.

Village officials said the additional 1.5% tax will raise revenue for street and sidewalk maintenance.