The filing window has closed for candidates running for leadership in the City of Kearney, and the Kearney School Board this April. Voters who return to the polls will see a mix of incumbents and challengers. There is also two city questions voters will be asked to consider.

For Kearney Board of Alderman, in Ward 1, Gerri Spencer is running to keep her seat on the board. She will face challenger Ashton King.

Incumbent David Lehman is running to keep his seat in Ward 2. He will face challenger Kurt Hamilton, who is executive director of the Kearney Enrichment Council.

For the two Kearney School Board seats, Matthew Baker, Richard Cawthon, Darlene Bailey, Michael Joe Hickey, Ben Anderson, and Chrystan Ferrell have filed as candidates.

In addition to the candidates, residents will be asked to vote whether they approve of two ballot questions to help fund a pool and recreation facility.

Question 1 asks voters to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $28 million to build the center. Question 2 asks to impose a half-cent sales tax for “providing funds to acquire, construct, improve, furnish, equip, operate and maintain local park facilities, including without limitation an aquatic and recreation center and the payment of debt service of financing obligations issued to provide funds for local park facilities.”

Both questions will need to be approved to move the recreation facility forward. Both questions will in essence raise taxes on Kearney residents.

According to the city website, “The general obligation bonds will require Kearney residents to pay $0.52 per $100 of assessed valuation on property, called a property tax levy.”

The half-cent park sales tax in question two will go to help pay for the annual operating costs and will also be used to repay debt on an additional $3 million of capital costs. “Additionally, the half-cent park sales tax on retail sales in Kearney will also be used to help repay the general obligation bonds.”

Election Day for these candidates and ballot issue is April 2, 2024.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story