Statement from Budget Committee Chair
Councilmember Arnie D. Fielkow
Re: Conclusion of Budget Hearings
November 15, 2010 – New Orleans, LA – City Council President and Budget Committee Chair Councilmember Arnie Fielkow released the following statement regarding the conclusion of the 2011 budget hearings today:
“Today, the final budget hearing adjourned in the City Council Chamber, in which the Council publically evaluated the 2011 Operating and Capital Budgets proposed by Mayor Landrieu. Over the course of thirteen days, the Council conducted in excess of sixty hours of public hearings on the budgets under consideration, scrutinizing the expected revenues and expenditures of the City of New Orleans for 2011.
“I would like to thank Mayor Landrieu and his administration for delivering the budget two weeks earlier than we have seen in the past. This change allowed the Council to prepare thoroughly for meaningful discussions about the budget. I would also like to thank the Mayor’s administration for preparing detailed presentations about each agenda item, which has given the Council a better idea of the City’s financial picture than I have seen during my tenure on the Council.
“My colleagues on the City Council and their staff members also dedicated numerous hours examining the budget and developing useful questions and comments. As the Council President and Budget Committee Chair, I appreciate all of their time and effort vetting this vital document that will set the City’s course for 2011.
“Although the hearing process is officially complete, we can call further budget hearings if necessary. This week, Council Vice President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson and I will facilitate discussions with each Council office relative to their priorities within the budget. Once priorities are established, we will move into discussions with the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer in order to finalize, by December 1, the Operating and Capital Budgets for the Council’s consideration that are beneficial to our citizens.”
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Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Communications Director
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow
Ph: 504-658-1063
daviguerie@cityofno.com
