The city of Omaha is seeking federal coronavirus relief funding. Douglas County Commissioner Claire Duda told Omaha City Council members yesterday that the city will be reimbursed for COVID-19-related expenses through federal money that the county received last week.
The CARES Act awarded federal relief funding to cities and counties of 500-thousand people or more, but Omaha has a population of 470-thousand.
A few days ago, Douglas County received a check for $166 million. The City of Omaha got nothing.
On Tuesday afternoon the chairman of the Douglas County Board offered some reassurance to Omaha residents.
“I hope you will see that you are made whole. Not for revenue losses but out-of-pocket expenses,” Douglas County Commisioner Clare Duda said at the City Council meeting.
“I’m truly sorry you ever felt the need to put this on the agenda. This should be a given,” Duda said. “We're partners. We're all in this together. You shouldn't have to formally ask us, it should be understood. We will move forward together."
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert’s team estimates that by the end of the year the City of Omaha will have COVID-19 related expenses in the $14 million range.
There isn't a way for the city to recoup the estimated $80 million, and counting, in lost revenue connected to sales and restaurant taxes as well as hotel fees.
The County Board plans to discuss where the $166 million will go at its meeting on May 19.