November Ballot to Include Bond Issues

(July 15, 2024)

A series of bond issues will be on the November general election ballot if approved by the Omaha City Council. The General Obligation Bonds will not raise the City's property tax levy.

The bonds will pay for projects listed in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in six categories; public safety, public facilities, transportation, street preservation, parks and recreation and environmental (sewer).

"Public safety, street and infrastructure improvements and accessible parks and amenities are especially important to our citizens," said Mayor Jean Stothert. "These bonds allow the City to provide a high level of service to our citizens and respond to the needs of our growing city without a levy increase."

Transportation Bonds $80.9 million

Large road projects are paid with federal funds which require a local match. The City uses bonds

to pay the match.

Examples of transportation projects to be paid with future bonds:

Fort Street improvements 120^th west to Park entrance road, including bridge replacement

L Street viaduct at 38^th Street

Saddle Creek and Dodge Bridge Replacement

Enterprise Park Roadway (near 11^th & Locust)

180^th Street -Harney to Arbor

Public Facilities Bonds $146 million

Planned facilities projects:

Downtown police precinct

Downtown fire station

Renovation/expansion of the CHI Center Arena and Convention Center

New Omaha Police outdoor gun range (to replace existing Elkhorn location)

Public Safety Bonds: $10 million

Public safety bonds pay for police and fire department equipment and vehicles.

Street Preservation Bonds $72 million

To continue the accelerated street repair and maintenance program authorized by voters in 2020. These bonds pay for a variety of construction and reconstruction projects. Current and previous projects funded with Street Preservation Bonds are listed at this link: https://keepomahamoving.com/projects/street-preservation-fund-projects

Environmental Bonds (Sewer) $14.5

Environmental bonds pay for projects including neighborhood storm sewers and drainage, Missouri River Flood Control system, channel stabilization. Environmental bonds are not used to pay for the ongoing Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) program or improvements to the City's regional wastewater collection and treatment system.

Parks and Recreation Bonds $10 million

The Parks, Recreation and Public Property Department uses bond funds to purchase land for a public purpose, build new facilities, including community centers, sports fields and courts, playgrounds and splash pads, future trail connections and rehabilitation of major facilities.

The ballot questions will state that voter approval of the bonds will not raise the property tax levy. If passed, the City will have authority to issue bonds through 2032.

First reading is scheduled Tuesday July 16.

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