RALSTON, Neb. (AP) — Ralston officials could face a tough task in persuading lawmakers to help spare city taxpayers from a huge tax increase.

Ralston Mayor Don Groesser is expected to propose a 34 percent property tax increase and a new restaurant tax in the city in response to the Ralston Arena’s financial problems.

But Groesser says he’ll promise to roll back the property tax increase if lawmakers step in with more incentives for the arena.

Several legislators say changing state law to help spare taxpayers from the potential increase would be a difficult sell to the Legislature.

State Sen. Merve Riepe says he’ll do what he can to help but that the city shouldn’t “expect the Legislature to ride in on a white horse to save it.”