Overview

• The Revenue Estimating Conference cut next year’s general fund forecast to about $725.6 million, lowering the base for city spending.
• The proposal holds a hiring freeze, trims 2.5% from personnel costs, reduces unclassified positions by 15%, and cuts agency operating budgets by 30%, while reserving $24 million for overtime.
• Cantrell seeks roughly $73 million in new revenue through a sanitation fee increase, a property tax millage roll forward, a half‑penny sales tax, and stronger collections.
• The City Council requested a Louisiana Legislative Auditor review to reconcile conflicting deficit numbers, including a reported $73 million personnel overrun, and the auditor said the review could take about two weeks.
• Budget hearings begin Oct. 14 with a Dec. 1 adoption deadline, as shortfalls are tied to lost tax collection fees after school board lawsuits and lower‑than‑expected Super Bowl returns.