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Landrieu unveils New Orleans’ $593 million budget for 2016
Posted On Oct 16 2015
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The administration of Mayor Mitch Landrieu reportedly has reached a deal with New Orleans fire fighters in a decades-old fight over back pay and other compensation. “Today’s settlement ensures that firefighters will get paid what they are owed in back pay in the 80s, 90s and 2000s, while ensuring that our taxpayers are protected”.
Firefighters would receive $20 million in the first two years of the deal. New Orleans isn’t cash-strapped – the city’s proposed 2016 budget is $50 million higher than the 2015 budget, and it’s almost $100 million stronger than its 2010 budget.
The money will come from a 2.5% property tax mill increase.
The plan also calls for changes to the firefighters pension system for new hires that will mean benefits will accrue more slowly and firefighters will not be able to retire until they are within 10 years of Social Security’s retirement age. He wanted to give firefighters their back pay, fund their pension system and not bankrupt the city. Landrieu also promoted Operation Relentless Pursuit, his recently unveiled crime-fighting umbrella strategy that includes funding $11 million “unlimited” overtime for NOPD – the “equivalent of adding 100 officers to the force”, he said.
Civil District Judge Robin Giarrusso ordered the city to pay millions into the firefighters’ pension to make up for years of partially missed payments.
“Promise made, Promise Kept!”
“This agreement is an incredible achievement, putting an end to decades of argument and establishing a fair, responsible path forward, said District A City Councilmember Susan Guidry”.
Under a 1980s judgment, the city owed firefighters $75 million in back wages, plus $67 million in interest, because it had not given firefighters raises required by state law. “Thank you to all who have been involved in the discussions and negotiations that resulted in this agreement”. “Not having this looming over our heads allows us to move forward with the work of providing the services the citizens expect from City Hall”.
