2027 Proposed Budget Hearing Day 6 - Sanitation Department (October 19, 2026)

The sixth day of the 2027 Proposed Budget Hearings, convened on October 19, 2026, at 12:30 PM, focused on City Services under Deputy CAO Ernest Legier. The agenda included the Department of Safety and Permits, Code Enforcement, and Sanitation; however, the recorded discussion and public testimony exclusively addressed the Sanitation Department. Councilmembers and over a dozen public speakers scrutinized proposed cuts to sanitation services, including Mardi Gras cleanup, recycling, and personnel.

Department of Sanitation Presentation

• Director Matt presented the 2027 budget, noting reductions in recycling collection contracts resulting from the removal of ineligible service locations, which yielded savings.
• Key proposed cuts and costs to restore services:
  • Restoration of positions: $2.1 million
  • Mardi Gras cleanup: $1.8 million
  • Area 5 enhanced services: $628,000
  • Recycling activities (drop-off, hazardous waste, glass recycling): $263,000
  • Recycling carts (if donations not secured): $60,000–$100,000 (or up to $200,000 for a full year)
• The average starting salary for laborers was stated as $30,000 per year.

Council Discussion

• Councilmember McCarron praised the department’s responsiveness and questioned the cost to restore positions. She stated that cutting the lowest-paid workers ($30,000/year) is “deeply disturbing” and called the proposal to cut Mardi Gras and special event collection “unserious.” She emphasized that residents expect both safe and clean cities.
• Councilmember Hughes and Councilmember Willard were noted as sharing similar opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pearl Newman (Louisa Street resident): Opposed the $8 fee increase and layoffs; suggested investigating contract services and charging hotels higher fees.
• Derek Ridgeley (Sanitation supervisor): Opposed cuts, highlighting the department’s role in Mardi Gras cleanup, storm response (citing Hurricane Ida), tire removal, and blight cleanup. Warned that reductions would harm residents.
• Michael Caulfield (Sanitation worker): Stressed the department’s unique duties (street sweeping, trash pickup in heat and cold) and warned of rat problems if cuts proceed. Said the department needs more people, not fewer.
• Tareen Buck (Mardi Gras temporary worker): Reported not being paid for six weeks after Mardi Gras cleanup; demanded timely payment to avoid rent issues.
• Magali Ortiz (Sanitation Ranger): Noted that in 2026, five active rangers handled 121 adjudication hearings resulting in $615,925 in fines. Asked who would investigate illegal dumping or hold violators accountable if cuts occur.
• Morgan Clevinger: Criticized contract overpayments (referencing 21,000 addresses charged but not serviced) and suggested funding from businesses benefiting from Mardi Gras (2.1 million visitors). Urged looking at other city funds (e.g., strike force).
• Magali Ortiz (Worker Center for Racial Justice): Described hazards of Mardi Gras cleanup (dust, broken glass). Commended the department for improving PPE but noted workers are routinely underpaid and paid late in violation of city and state law. Reported that Mardi Gras 2026 generated 1,364 tons of waste. Asked that any cuts not harm workers and that recommendations be adopted.
• Frank Southall (Jane Clay’s organizing communication manager): Supported timely payment for seasonal workers to prevent evictions. Suggested uptown krewe members (who are often non-residents) could pay higher fees rather than burdening cultural bearers.
• Alfred Taylor (Sanitation worker): Said he walks 5–6 miles daily, gives 150%, but cannot afford to live in the city. Warned that cuts would cause the city to “stank.” Asked the council to keep the department funded.
• Jameer Otis (Union representative, Local 2349): Opposed the budget, stating the union and members were not involved in the process. Noted the department is already short-staffed (six workers on Sundays). Mardi Gras overtime is critical for workers; cuts could lead to walkouts.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken; this was a hearing to gather public and council input.
• Councilmembers expressed strong opposition to the proposed cuts, with multiple members calling them unacceptable.
• The hearing adjourned with notice that Day 7 would be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.