Suttle Reports Little Progress On Budget Shortfall (OS's shop)

[Omaha Steve]

Furloughs are on the table. My job itself is safe because I'm in a protected (EPA licensed) job. The city has already eliminated 150 jobs so far this year.


http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/63698292.html

Nine-million-500-thousand dollars and counting. Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle's office reports that's the latest read on how short the city is in meeting its 2009 budget.

At a news conference called shortly after the May election, then Mayor Fahey and Mayor-elect Suttle reported 2009 revenue was coming up short. Both men outlined plans for combined spending cuts and wage freezes to make up the difference.

But as the city approaches the middle of October, the budget gap has yet to narrow.

The Finance Department reports sales tax revenue continues to lag. It's running 3.2 percent below what was budgeted. That shortfall accounts for $8.5 million of the shortage.

While the Fire Union has agreed, in principle, to take a wage freeze for the rest of the year the Police Union has not made a commitment. Negotiations are continuing. If the Police Union agrees, the two together would help make up $4.5 million.

In a news release the mayor's office says the city may need to look at using some of the city's $5 million cash reserve.

The city's other options include an in-lieu of tax for the sewer fund, which could make up $2-3 million.