Top 5 Reasons for Omaha's Pothole Problem

If you've traveled anywhere in Omaha, you've probably tried unsuccessfully to avoid the potholes. It's impossible to drive anywhere in Omaha without hitting more. I've never seen anything like it.

Potholes are near and dear to my heart because last year, my darling husband, managed to hit not 1..... not 2..... but THREE potholes - all in the same month. Each pothole blew out a tire and cost us $500 each time to replace. Yes, you heard it right, potholes cost us $1,500 last year. Since then, I cringe every time my husband drives somewhere.

The potholes are CONSIDERABLY worse this year so I either need to:

1) not let my husband out of the house

2) get his eyes checked since he obviously can't see where he's going, or

3) find out why there is a pothole problem and will the city reimburse us for car damage

I'm not able to bubble wrap my husband at home so that's out. He did finally (a year later) agree to go to an eye doctor appointment, which I'm sure will help but isn't the problem. We are left with eduction options and what recourse consumers have. Without further adieu, here is our Top 5 Reasons for Omaha's Pothole Problems:

The Top 5 Reasons for Omaha's Pothole Problem

1. The city's gas tax revenue changed July 1, 2009.

2. The new law changed the gas tax from a fixed rate to one based on the percentage of the wholesale gas price.

3. Gas prices dropped, reducing city revenues even further.

3. Record snowfall.

4. A vicious snow / freeze / melt cycle is creating more craters than crews can keep up with.

5. The pothole budget is in the negative

Great, we're educated now. I understand the city has spent $3 million since December 1st, much of it going toward pothole repair. I also know the city budget is $1.6 million to the NEGATIVE. And while I empathize with the budget constraints, it's still the city's responsibility to provide safe & accessible roads.

Did you know that a pothole actually totaled a person's car right here in Omaha?

Now, the question everyone has been waiting for: Will Omaha reimburse for pothole damage to my car? The definitive answer is: MAYBE. Omaha's position is they are NOT responsible unless they KNEW about it. Let me give you a moment to think about that.

Does the city live in on-campus dorms and don't have to drive to and from work each day? How could they NOT know about it? Better yet, read what this author offers on this point.

Here are the two numbers to put on SPEED DIAL since the city doesn't know there is a pothole problem. Let's make a deal, you call in the potholes you encounter daily and I'll call in mine. Together, we should be able to get all Omaha potholes reported so hopefully when everyone's claims are submitted, we'll all be reimbursed. To report potholes in your area, call:

City Works 444-4919

Mayor's Hot Line 444-5555

Report pothole damage to the Omaha City Clerk's Office (8-5 Monday through Friday)

Douglas County Civic Center

1819 Farnam Street

Omaha, NE 68183

You will need to send the city:

• a written report of your damage
• the address where it happened
• date and time of the accident
• repair damage estimates
• receipt copies if damage has already been repaired
• an explanation of how the pothole damage occurred
• a photograph of the pothole is also recommended

REMEMBER: In order to be considered for reimbursement, Omaha must have received a complaint on that specific pothole before your accident occurred.

As of February 16, 2010 - 41 claims have been received and NONE have been paid.

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