The city of Omaha could claim another population base as Mayor Jean Stothert floats the possibility of annexing the village of Waterloo.
She mentioned the idea during a press conference discussing the Elkhorn-Omaha Fire Department contract negotiations.
While there’s nothing decided yet, people who live in Waterloo overwhelmingly did not like the thought.
“We like our small town the way it is,” said Bill Steere who didn’t know what to expect from a possible annexation.
“I don't know what that would bring for us with taxes because that's a question we would all want to know.”
The idea also startles Ennis Williams who works at the Dog House in downtown Waterloo, “Was under the thoughts that they wouldn't cross the river.”
According to state law, a city can annex a surrounding community only if the property lines are connected and the population of the town being annexed is less than 10,000 residents, Waterloo has around 900.
