By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – The Douglas County board has approved a new fiscal year budget that raises the tax levy two cents.
Board members approved the 2010-2011 budget Tuesday on a 5-2 vote. An amendment approved by the Board added $1.7 million in cuts from the Department of Corrections, Douglas County Health Center, Public Defender's office, County Attorney's office, veterans' services, community services, and the Sheriff's Department back to the budget.
Board Chairwoman Mary Ann Borgeson asked for a four-week delay so additional budget cuts could be made. She hoped that would keep a two-cent increase in the levy from being necessary. But her proposal drew criticism from some Board members. Commissioner Clare Duda says department heads waited long enough for their budgets to be approved.
The levy increase means Douglas County taxpayers will pay about 20 dollars more a year in taxes.