New Orleans City Council Meeting Summary (Dec 30, 2025)

The New Orleans City Council convened on December 30, 2025, to address urgent financial disbursements from the Emergency Payroll Fund, review reports from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, and discuss pending FEMA funding decisions. The meeting featured significant debate regarding financial transparency, conflicting data provided by administration officials, and the historical disconnect between the Chief Administrative Office and the Finance Department.

Consent Calendar

• The Council voted to suspend rules and add the Legislative Auditor's annual report to the agenda after a motion by a Councilmember, with a unanimous vote of 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilmember Burnside: Expressed strong dissatisfaction and skepticism regarding the administration's financial stewardship. The Councilmember characterized the specific financial figures presented as "utter complete garbage" and "meaningless," asserting that the Council must independently verify data rather than rely on the administration. Additionally, the Councilmember stated a position that the Council is the separate and equal branch of government and criticized the lack of internal checks and balances.
• Councilmember Thomas: Provided an explanation for the increased fringe benefit costs, stating a position that costs rose because employees reached their insurance maximums and underwent major procedures at year-end, a predictable annual occurrence. The Councilmember clarified that United Healthcare costs increase when employees reach these caps.
• Councilmember Jerusalem: Expressed concern that the Library's millage is separate and criticized the administration for laying off or not filling vacant positions while simultaneously claiming savings, arguing that savings cannot be realized on positions that were never budgeted for two years.
• Councilmember Green: Expressed the position that conflicting information presented by the administration has historically made it difficult for the Council to distinguish facts, noting that the Council allocates funds while the administration is responsible for expenditures.

Discussion Items

• Legislative Auditor Report Submission: Mike Wagsback (Louisiana Legislative Auditor) presented a request for the transfer of $11,437,270.00 from the City's special fund to cover payroll ($5,865,330.00) and fringe benefits reimbursement ($5,571,940.00). The Auditor stated that overtime controls implemented since their arrival appear to be working, noting police overtime was below estimates.
• CAO and Finance Department Disconnect: Councilmember Thomas requested an update on a meeting with Norman Montaño (CAO) regarding his role in the city's financial situation. Chris Province (Legislative Auditor) stated a position that Montaño was surprised by the extent of the deterioration and that a disconnect existed between the CAO and the Finance Department starting around January 2025. Councilmember Burnside remarked that this disconnect is alarming given the CAO's authority over the Finance Department.
• FEMA Funding Status: Councilmember Morrell announced a delay in a final FEMA decision letter until December 31, 2025. The Councilmember specifically requested assistance in keeping the "Municipal Auditorium" extension on the approved list, noting the project's critical status.
• Financial Discrepancies Councilmember Burnside highlighted arithmetic inconsistencies in the proposed resolutions, stating that the sum of the proposed transfers exceeded a previously stated maximum cap, and labeled the numbers as "absolute garbage."

Key Outcomes

• Resolution R25674: Adopted unanimously (7-0) to approve the release of $5,865,330.47 from the Employee Emergency Payroll Fund to cover payroll and related taxes for the pay period ending December 27, 2025.
• Resolution R25675: Adopted unanimously (7-0) to approve the release of $5,571,939.88 from the Employee Emergency Payroll Fund to reimburse the general fund for fringe benefits and other payroll expenses for the pay period ending December 20, 2025.
• FEMA Timeline: The final decision letter regarding critical projects, including the Municipal Auditorium, is expected on December 31, 2025.
• Meeting Adjournment: The Council adjourned unanimously, wishing everyone a happy new year.

Agenda Discrepancy Note

• The transcript reflects a discrepancy between the minutes and the spoken dialogue regarding the addition of the Legislative Auditor's report. The transcript notes the Clerk stating a link is available in the minutes, while Councilmember Burnside initially claimed the link was missing from the agenda, requiring a procedural correction. The meeting proceeded with a unanimous vote to add the report to the agenda.