Some Omahans want more money for the police department, some want less; ditto for the Humane Society and the homeless.

Those comments were all part of Tuesday’s first and only public hearing on the new city budget, a budget that also found taxes front and center.

[View our full video report above]

Mayor Jean Stothert, Omaha (R) Last Month: “Our proposed budget for next year includes our fourth property tax rate reduction of two percent.”

But don’t tell that to taxpayers at Tuesday’s public hearing on Stothert’s new budget.

Linda Boris, Taxpayer: “Lower the 2024 levy more than a mere 2% as the city has been taking advantage of increased valuations.”

Dennnis Schweis, Taxpayer:  The valuation on my house increased by 20% this year by $40,000. This increase means that my property taxes also will go up.”

And one of the Legislature’s top tax watchdogs, couldn’t agree more.

Joe Jordan, NCN: “Mayor Stothert has what she calls a property tax rate cut.”

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, Elkhorn (R): “They need to be honest. If people are going to pay more property taxes mayors, county board members need to say you're going to pay more property taxes even though we lowered the levy.”

And if property valuations didn’t go up, Stothert’s tax cut, $20 on a $200,000 home, is not nearly enough for some.

Doug Kagan (NE Taxpayers for Freedom): “Paltry property tax decrease with only $30 on a $300,000 home and $20 on a $200,000 home is really dinner for two in the local restaurant, not counting the restaurant tax.”

The council votes on the budget next month.