By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – A public hearing is set for tomorrow night to give the public a chance to weigh in on Omaha's 2010 budget.
City officials project an $11 million deficit in the 2010 city budget. The current fiscal year budget has a $12 million shortfall. Last week, Mayor Jim Suttle announced 130 city employees will be laid off immediately to save money. A police recruit class scheduled for November is moving to January.
The 2010 budget proposal includes a two-percent entertainment tax and a property tax increase. Mayor Suttle wants to amend the entertainment tax proposal to exclude non-profits. Suttle estimates the entertainment tax could raise $10 million. So far, the Omaha City Council hasn't expressed much support for either option.
The budget public hearing is set for seven PM Tuesday at the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center Legislative Chambers.