A preliminary report issued by the Douglas County appraiser showed that valuations on personal property and real estate were down nearly $2.5 million from the preliminary valuations of a year earlier. Appraiser Don Gordon said the most immediate result could be a tax increase for the coming year.

A strong spring period of home-building continued through May with 21 permits issued for single-family homes. Gene Shaughnessy of the city staff said, however, he would not be convinced of a recovery until he could look back at the full summer’s activity and still see good signs.