No taxation without representation

In a bizarre move to help the city get out of debt, Mayor Jim Suttle might implement a property tax bump even if the Omaha City Council votes against the proposal.

The Omaha World-Herald reported that City Finance Director Pam Spaccarotella said the City Council cannot change the mayor’s tax change:

In a memo obtained by The World-Herald, City Finance Director Pam Spaccarotella said the council has no authority under the City Charter to change the mayor's tax hike.

Spaccarotella said the charter bars the council from altering a tax hike meant to pay off city debts.

She wrote the memo in response to a request from council members and after consulting with the Law Department.

The City Charter states that the council “shall not reduce appropriations for debt service.

The World-Herald said City Attorney Paul Kratz should give a formal opinion on the matter today.

Spaccarotella’s starting salary was $180,000 and then reduced to $140,000.