“If in fact we lose the talent, I’m confident Omaha can find fresh talent,” Councilman Franklin Thompson stated, “…but it does hurt.”
Despite criticism that failing to pass the contract could result in lowered standards for competitive wages and higher turnaround rates for officers, the Omaha City Council refused to pass the Police Management contract on a 5-2 vote.
Police management is expected to go before the Commission on Industrial Relations to appeal the decision.
In other police news, city council authorized a contract with Woodhaven Counseling Associates, Inc., and Behavioral Health, Inc. to provide hourly payments of $130.00 for psychological services provided to sworn members of the Omaha Police Department and their families. This would also include a $340.00 fee for each candidate applying for employment within the police department.
Safe Parties: Commenting in pre-council that Farnam Festival and Septemberfest are two events with few problems, special liquor licenses for both were approved by the council 7-0.
James D. Fogarty was appointed to complete Buey Tut’s term on the library board-following Tut’s resignation on June 30.
The council approved $350,000 in tax-increment financing and $300,000 HOME Program grant to offset building and development costs for construction of two four-story buildings in front of the Livestock Exchange Building by OneWorld Community Health Centers. The project would house a combination of clinics and 32 senior housing units, including underground parking, a women’s health clinic, a geriatric clinic, administrative offices, and a day care facility.
Next city council meeting is August 9.