New Orleans Council Takes Proactive Financial Recovery Strategies

This blog does not hesitate to expose incompetent, greedy or corrupt politicians. On the other hand, we do not hold back praises and encouragements to politicians who are doing the right thing.

We commend Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the New Orleans City Council members for their aggressive attempts in address the financial crisis at home.

In his response to the financial crisis and the $67.5 million deficit he inherited, Mayor Landrieu has decided to implement some proactive recovery strategies.

To help shave the deficit amount, City Council members will be taking a 10 percent salary cut. Additionally, the mayor also ordered almost all city workers to be furloughed 11 days through the end of the year. The one day per two-week pay period is expected to save $6.7 million. Other moves by the major includes renegotiating contracts, cutting overtime and pension payments, some Police Department layoffs and using $23 million in one-time money from an insurance settlement.

The council and mayor have announced a series of community meetings, one in each council district, to hear residents' budget priorities.