Omaha's budget in limbo over economy
BY MAGGIE O'BRIEN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
With the national economy in a downward slide, next year is shaping up to be one big question mark for Omaha city officials.
Building permit and investment income are lower than forecast. Sales tax revenues, which make up nearly half of the city's general fund budget, have seen modest growth but could be vulnerable to declines if consumers dramatically rein in spending this holiday season and beyond.
Already, the city is leaving some full- and part-time positions vacant, and the Omaha Fire Department won't receive some equipment it was expecting.
Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey might have to ask city departments to make additional cuts, although city officials say they don't yet know what or how severe they might be.
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