December 11, 2010 – New Orleans, LA – Today, the New Orleans City Council passed an amendment that will increase property taxes by 7.74 mills for the year 2011. This millage increase is one mill greater than the 6.74 millage increase that the City Council approved on December 1, but it is one mill less than the Mayor’s proposed budget, which asked for an 8.74 millage increase. City Council President and Budget Committee Chairman Arnie Fielkow said the following at today’s regular City Council meeting.
“While the 2011 City Budget will be reviewed and measured throughout next year, today represents the culmination of literally hundreds of hours by all of us in trying to reach a final agreement which will shape our city’s future. This has been a long, difficult and, at times, an emotional process but one that is extremely important to all of our citizens. I would like to thank all of those involved, but especially those New Orleanians who have provided their input, ideas and suggestions throughout the process.
“Today’s vote is not an easy one for me because, for several years, I have opposed tax increases given the financial challenges faced by our citizens and small businesses. On December 1, I voted for what I believed then and continue to believe was a beneficial budget for the City of New Orleans. It was a budget which reduced the millage rate 25% from what was proposed, yet still provided the new Administration the resources it needed to move our city forward and successfully implement its articulated vision.
“Although not included in the final adopted budget, we explored other sources of revenue as a means to fund the city’s needs. While subsequent research has revealed that these other potential sources of revenue may not be timely, the 2011 budget could still have been formalized without further millage by alternatively reducing budget expenditures further. In fact, such a position was supported by the Council majority in our prior discussions.
“Having said the above, it is also clear to me that our form of government here in New Orleans works best when all branches of government are working in partnership. Over the past several years, our citizens have been subjected to a divided and often combative government – one which at times did not serve this city well during a time when we needed a united and effective government. In the final analysis, my vote of support today is based upon a choice to engage upon a new path of unity and partnership.
“Our new Mayor has asked that we provide him with these resources so we may collectively put New Orleans on sound financial footing and continue the positive changes his Administration has started. I believe we have a Mayor that will lead this city to great things ahead and, through my vote today, am hopeful that his vision and strategic plan can be put in place. It is, at the end of the day, a vote for the spirit of partnership and my commitment to a government which works for a better New Orleans.
“2011 should be an exciting year and this City Council will work hard to ensure that the Administration’s benchmarks are met. Tax equality and collection of all uncollected obligations will be a big part of this. I ask all New Orleanians to stay engaged and help this Administration and this City Council – indeed our great city – reach its incredible untapped potential.”
