ELECTION 2018 Omaha voters to decide on $151 million in road bonds

May 7, 2018

Keith Goble

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Voters in the city of Omaha, Neb., will cast ballots on May 15 for a question that is touted to double the city’s planned expenditures on transportation projects.

One question will ask voters whether to authorize $151.3 million in road bonds over six years. If approved, dozens of projects are planned for completion.

General obligation bonds would be used to cover the costs for street and highway work around the state’s largest city.

The road bond question is part of a five-question package that totals $227.5 million in new bonds for capital improvements.

Advocates say the road bond issue would not result in higher property tax rates in the city. They add that the new bonds are needed to help secure federal funding.

Critics say that voters should demand more from the city. They criticize city officials for what they say is a history of not holding itself accountable to build projects as planned, use the funds as planned, or adequately report changes to the public.

Omaha voters decide every four years whether to approve bonds for city projects. Over the past three election cycles voters approved a total of $149.7 million for transportation work – slightly less than the $151.3 million sought this spring.