A push to pay the City of Omaha’s snow fighters more money has come up short.

The Omaha City Council has approved an additional $360,000 for snow plow drivers this winter, but another $140,000 or $1.40 more an hour came up short.

The South Omaha Democrat leading the charge didn’t hide his disappointment. Councilman Vinny Palermo noting that the city’s tax revenues, especially those from sales taxes and restaurant taxes continue to do well, while the street maintenance department struggles.

[See additional council comments above]

According to Palermo, the department is down 49 workers in large part because of inadequate pay.

Because the city’s Personnel Board approved the $360,000 increase, the seven-member council needed five votes to okay the extra $140,000.

All four Democrats voted for the increase, all three Republicans voted no, leaving the pay hike one vote short.