By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – After a more than nine-hour meeting, Omaha City Councilmen approved an amended 2010 budget Tuesday night.
The $457 million budget has a projected $11 million deficit. Councilmen voted to cut $1.5 million from the Fire Department budget and $1 million for the purchase of police cars to save money. New revenue sources include a satellite television inspection fee, as well as increased building inspection fees. It also includes a two-and-a-half day furlough at a cost savings of $1.3 million.
Mayor Jim Suttle's spokesman, Ron Gerard, says Suttle believes the amendment budget was put together quickly and in haste. He says Mayor Suttle plans to take some time to review the components of the amended budget before deciding what to sign and what to veto.
Any vetoed components go back to the City Council September 15. The budget includes a 2.4 cent property tax increase. City Attorney Paul Kratz ruled recently that neither Councilman nor the Mayor could remove that tax from the budget plan.