OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Some property owners in downtown Omaha support paying higher special assessments under a proposal to keep the area cleaner.
Omaha’s Downtown Improvement District collects a special fee from area homeowners for services like picking up trash, providing security and planting flowers.
The district has proposed raising that fee so the group can hire another staff member to care for the 75-block area downtown. The City Council held a public hearing Tuesday on the assessment, which would grow 10 percent the first year and 3 percent each year after for four years.
“To our constituents, it will not feel like a huge burden, but to us, it’s going to have a huge impact on how well we can respond to the needs of our community,” said Holly Barrett, the district’s executive director.
The increase would provide about $40,000 in additional revenue each year, Barrett said. Hiring another staff member would mean the district can better collect litter and care for plants, according to the group.
The current assessment totals $66 for a residential property valued at $300,000. The property owner of a residence valued at $300,000 would pay an extra $7 with the increase.
Michael Henery, owner of multiple commercial and residential properties downtown, said that he’s against the proposed increase. He said downtown is still dirty despite the special assessments.
“Last winter was a pig pen,” Henery said. “I’ve never seen the alleys so bad.”
He said the city should be responsible for the group’s services through property taxes.
The council will make the final decision on whether to move forward with the proposal.
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