By Katie Knapp Schubert
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kios/local-kios-850526.mp3
Omaha, NE – Omaha faces an $11 million budget shortfall next fiscal year.
Mayor Jim Suttle presented the proposed 2010 budget to the City Council Tuesday. The $457 million total budget represents a less than one percent increase over the current fiscal year.
Suttle is proposing a two-percent entertainment tax to raise $10 million. Also, property taxes could be increased. If approved, it would a property tax increase of $24 on a $100,000 home. City says they get 21 percent of property tax money, with OPS getting 58.4 percent.
Other plans include reallocating Keno funds to the Omaha Public Library and the Police Department. The Library would receive $135,000. $476,000 would go toward the purchase of 44 new police cruisers. The city's Human Rights and Relations department would merge with Human Resources. Also, Suttle proposed bringing back the Public Safety Auditor, at a cost of $135,000 for auditor, staff and office.