The Mayor's Office says the City of Omaha projects a 2023 budget surplus created by an increase in sales tax revenue.
A news release prepared by the Mayor's Office reports total revenue through September is 43.9 - million over budget projections, including sales tax revenue 24.7 - million over projections and restaurant tax revenue 4.4 million dollars over estimates.
The Mayor's office says increased revenue will offset expenses including a 3 - million contribution to the Mental Health Innovation Foundation for construction of the Behavioral Health & Welfare Center at "Children’s Nebraska," 2.9 - million in costs associated with the Police and Fire Headquarters project, 20 - million in various capital investments for Omaha Fire, Parks, and other departments, plus 3 - million for a financial software system to replace an obsolete system.
Health care expenses are also projected to be 2.8 - million over budget for the year.
The news release goes on to say health care expenses are projected to be 2.8 - million over budget for the year.
The projected 2023 surplus is 8 - million dollars, which must be carried forward to the 2025 city budget.
More highlights from the Third Quarter revenue report:
· City Sales and Use Tax - 24.7- million over projection
· Restaurant Tax- 4.4 - million over projection
· Hotel/motel tax - 1.83 - million over projection
· Building licenses and permits - 16,939 dollars under projection
Third Quarter expense report highlights:
· Omaha Police Department - 1.2 - million under budget
· Planning Department - 405,927 dollars under budget
· Public Works - 205,195 dollars under budget
· Finance- 512,299 dollars under budget
· Law Department - 432,812 dollars under budget
· Omaha Public Library - $135,324 under budget
· Parks & Recreation -1,445,378 dollars over budget
· Omaha Fire Department - 408,154 over budget
(Picture from City of Omaha)