Lincoln Voters to Decide on Measure F Sales Tax
Lincoln residents will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to vote on a proposed one-cent local sales tax.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Would you support a new local sales tax to fund more police officers in your area?
Lincoln voters will decide the fate of Measure F on November 3, 2026, a proposal to enact a one-cent local sales tax. The measure aims to generate $6 million annually to bolster city services for the city's 60,000 residents.
Why it matters
City officials argue the current reliance on overtime for public safety staffing is unsustainable, while critics contend the issue lies in general fund spending priorities rather than revenue. The city would implement a citizen oversight committee to audit and review expenditures if the tax is approved.
The proposed tax would cost residents approximately 45 cents per day, totaling $154 annually. The department currently operates with 33 sworn officers, with a stated goal to hire 50 new officers over the next five years if the measure passes.
The players
Lincoln Police Department
The agency is responsible for law enforcement operations and currently maintains a force of 33 sworn officers.
The details
Lincoln currently faces a 10-minute police response time for priority calls, with only two officers and one supervisor assigned to active patrol shifts. Revenue from the tax would be deposited into a separate account from the city's general fund to ensure oversight.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Voters will cast their ballots for or against Measure F.
Next five years: The police department projects the hiring of 50 new officers if the tax passes.
Political Context
Critics of Measure F point to the current general fund's allocation, noting that police and fire services represent 49 percent of the total budget. They argue that the city should prioritize internal restructuring before asking residents for additional tax revenue.
If passed, the tax will add a recurring cost of 45 cents per day to the daily expenses of Lincoln residents. The implementation of a citizen oversight committee is designed to provide taxpayers with transparency regarding how the $6 million in annual revenue is distributed.
The takeaway
The upcoming vote centers on whether residents prefer to increase tax contributions or demand budget reallocations to improve local police response times. Voters should consider whether the projected hiring of 50 officers adequately addresses their concerns regarding current public safety staffing levels.
Further reading
Find more local governance updates on the Lincoln City Hall page.
Live Poll
Would you support a new local sales tax to fund more police officers in your area?
