O'Neill claims Good Life District is on track as Reed cites leadership gap

Roughly 100 residents gathered at the College Park auditorium on Thursday night to watch Grand Island mayoral candidates Ryan O’Neill and Jimmy Reed clash over the stalled Good Life District and the city’s tax burden. The event, organized by Usher Media Group with sponsorship from local news outlets, took place after Hall County Leadership Unlimited canceled a previously scheduled debate earlier this month.

The Good Life District is the central point of contention. Voters approved the project in 2024, yet construction has not begun. O'Neill, the current City Council president, maintains the project is progressing according to plan. He noted that the council approved a development agreement in September and that the city faces a January deadline to meet specific milestones. O'Neill expects a vote on a land sale in November and anticipates construction could start next spring. He attributed part of the delay to the state Legislature reworking the Good Life program and pulling funding last year.

Reed, a real estate agent with no prior elected office, disputes that timeline. He identified finishing the district as a top priority and blamed the delay on a lack of communication and direction from city leadership. Reed described the current administration as having a “no before yes mentality” and stated there is an “absence of leadership within City Hall.”

Property taxes were the second major topic. Both candidates pledged not to raise the local sales tax to offset property tax costs. O'Neill pointed out that the city has requested the same property tax dollar amount for seven consecutive years. He argued that sales tax and casino revenue growth should offset costs. He also proposed creating a monthly budget committee to identify spending cuts before considering any tax increases.

Reed argued that property taxes are a constant concern in his real estate work. He stated that the city has relied on its general fund for the last two years and requires a long-term budget plan. Reed said he would “fight tooth and nail” to keep property taxes low.

The candidates also addressed City Hall leadership, a vacant communications position, and transparency. They discussed relationships with state and federal leaders and the internal work environment at City Hall. Voters will choose their mayor on Tuesday.