Omaha's City Council voted 5-2 on Tuesday to spend $376,000 on an efficiency study of the city's public safety departments.
Council President Dan Welch said the study would show the operational efficiencies to be gained within all areas of both the fire and police departments.
"We can save, potentially, millions of dollars without compromising public safety," Welch said.
He said he arrived at his savings figure after he compared the Omaha Fire Department's personnel costs -- over $60 million according to the 2006 city budget -- to those of departments in cities similar in size to Omaha. Those cities included Virginia Beach, Va., Mesa, Ariz., and Colorado Springs, Col.
As the study is set to go forward, fire and police unions are concerned over its objectivity and fairness. Police and fire union officials -- who had weeks to digest Welch's study proposal -- urged the council to proceed with caution.
"What we're concerned about is a public safety witch hunt," said Fire Union President Mike McDonnell.
McDonnell expressed reservations about the study's objectivity, and about how much money it could save the city without affecting service quality.
"What we want to do is make it a fair study -- (one that) actually looks out for what's in the best interests of the firefighters and the people we serve," McDonnell said.
The council gave assurances that union representatives would have input in the efficiency study, and that its results would lead to better emergency services.
"We'll be fair," said Councilman Franklin Thompson. "We'll be thorough. And although it will be painful, when we come out the other side, I think we'll be the better for it."
"We'll hold them to their word on that," said Police Union Chief Aaron Hansen.
There will be no immediate action from the mayor's office, as Mayor Mike Fahey is out of town this week. An official at City Hall said Fahey is undecided as to whether he'll sign the efficiency study measure.
By law, the mayor has 10 days to make that decision.
If Fahey doesn't veto the plan, the council will next search for a consultant, and hope the study can be completed by mid-2007.
Previous Stories:
- August 24, 2006: Fahey's Veto Based On Weaker Budget Numbers
- August 23, 2006: Council Wants To Use Windfall To Study Public Safety
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