By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – The Omaha City Council votes Tuesday on the 2012 budget.
Mayor Jim Suttle's $730 million budget plan contains no tax increases and no deficit. It accounts for fewer city employees overall next year, although the city plans to hire more civilian employees for the combined sewer overflow project. Also included in the budget plan is a Park Safety division.
Councilmen have filed three amendments to the 2012 budget. One amendment by Councilmen Franklin Thompson and Ben Gray would fund a contract compliance position in the Human Rights and Relations Department. Councilman Chris Jerram's amendment would add a housing inspector position to the budget.
An amendment from Councilman Pete Festersen would add a police recruit class to the 2012 budget at a cost of more than $354,500 dollars. The class of 15 recruits would begin next October.