By Katie Knapp
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kios/local-kios-671207.mp3
Omaha, NE – The College World Series, Omaha's economy, afterschool programs, community policing and a city/county jail merger were all on Mayor Mike Fahey's agenda during his State of the City address Tuesday morning. Here is a summary of the speech:
-A city/county jail merger is moving forward. Fahey says the city and Douglas County are finalizing an agreement and Omaha Police will begin housing inmates in the Douglas County Correctional Center starting February 15. The Omaha City Jail will eventually close permanently.
-A recommendation from the Mayor's Stadium Oversight Committee is expected in a few weeks. That committee is reviewing options to keep the College World Series in Omaha long-term.
-The city plans to work with social service agencies to set up a social service campus. That campus will serve the needs of Omaha's homeless.
-After-school programs are coming to four Omaha schools.
-On public safety, Mayor Fahey says new police and fire contracts are coming soon. He says the city's overall crime rate was down last year, in spite of the homicide rate reaching a new record. Mayor Fahey wants more funding in the FY 2009 budget for community policing, several new officers, and the Public Safety Auditor.
Click on the link above to hear Mayor Fahey's complete State of the City address.