According to the Omaha World Herald, the mayor of Omaha would like to annex eight neighborhoods that would add more than 2,100 people to the city's population. Property taxes would go up for the new city dwellers by nearly $505 per every $100,000 of valuation, according to the mayor’s office. The area includes 26 miles of streets, 5.6 acres of parkland and no unimproved streets. The city is primarily focused on adding areas that are surrounded by city land, can be serviced by the Police and Fire Departments and will be “revenue positive” over the next decade.
Based on 2010 U.S. Census data, Omaha’s population would increase by 2,158 people, according to the city. The Planning Board will consider the annexation package at its June 3 meeting. The first reading before the City Council will occur June 16, a public hearing is scheduled for June 23 and the final vote is set for July 14.
The Omaha Fire Department already provides fire and emergency medical services to the areas, and the 911 call volume is low, according to the release. Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and Fire Chief Dan Olsen approve of the package, according to the mayor.
The city estimates that over the next 10 years, it would collect more than $43.5 million in total revenue from property taxes; sales, restaurant and hotel taxes; street and highway funds; and wheel tax from those neighborhoods.
“Annexation is healthy growth,” Stothert said in the release. “When we increase our tax base, we generate revenue to expand services that benefit the whole city.”
