The City Council heard a presentation and public testimony on an administration proposal to amend the Omaha Police Officers Association (OPOA) collective bargaining agreement to raise police pay and change hiring processes.

Deputy city attorneys and administration staff outlined a multi-part plan the mayor proposed and discussed with the OPOA. Key elements of the proposed amendment include:
- A 2.7% increase for remaining 2025 pay steps tied to bringing top officer pay to roughly 5% above comparable agencies for the remainder of 2025; the administration said this equates to a corrective 2.7% adjustment applied to officer steps once implemented.
- An automatic annual adjustment process: the city would take a March 31 snapshot of comparable agencies and adjust pay so Omaha remains approximately 5% higher; administration counsel said this produced a projected automatic increase of about 5.58% at the beginning of the 2026 payroll year to remain ahead of an announced La Vista increase.
- Enhanced lateral recruitment credit so experienced officers (with approximately eight years of qualifying experience in comparable agencies) could be placed at a top step rather than a mid‑step.
- Operational changes including continuous recruitment and multiple academy start dates per year.

City Finance projected the immediate added cost as roughly $2.5 million in 2025 (to be handled within existing budget through attrition) and about $9 million for the 2026 budget year. Deputy city attorneys and OPOA representatives said personnel and labour negotiations recommended the changes; the Personnel Board recommended approval.

Justin Smith, treasurer of the OPOA, testified in support, citing staffing shortfalls (the department was described in testimony as about 14% below authorized strength) and near‑term retirements. Supporters framed the package as an investment in public safety and recruitment.

Public commenters expressed mixed views: some supported pay increases to keep recruitment competitive, while others urged the city to also invest in officer training, equipment and community interventions. Council members asked technical and budget questions, including confirming the finance projections and clarifying the snapshot date and mechanics of the annual adjustment.

The hearing closed without a final council vote recorded in the transcript; councilmembers indicated they would follow up on technical language and budget implications prior to any final action.