Omaha’s 2015 proposed budget includes a 2 percent property tax decrease.
Mayor Jean Stothert introduced the budget at this afternoon’s City Council meeting. It projects $852 million in revenue. Sales tax revenue is estimated to rise 5.6 percent over this year.
The city also projects growth in restaurant tax revenue, to $28.9 million dollars in 2015. That’s up from $27.6 million in 2014.
Stothert’s budget includes 21 new police officers. It also budgets for wage increases and pension obligations under new contracts. The police and fire contracts are currently being negotiated. The fire department’s budget is up 1.4 percent, and the police department’s budget up 1 percent, in 2015.
The street resurfacing budget is up $200,000 dollars in 2015. Nearly $1 million is being put toward demolition of properties.
Mayor Stothert says she has three goals for the 2015 budget: increase the cash reserve, pay down debt, and reduce property taxes.