Overview
- The City Council pulled its Bond Commission request after reports that approval required accepting a state-appointed fiscal administrator, prompting cancellation of scheduled meetings in Baton Rouge.
- Payroll for nearly 5,000 workers is funded through Nov. 12, and officials say tapping rainy-day reserves could extend coverage only through December without new cash.
- Confronting an estimated $160–$166 million gap, the council ordered a legislative audit of 2022–2025 spending, froze nonessential purchases, and advanced guardrails including a charter change requiring approval to shift funds.
- Gov. Jeff Landry urged rejection of the loan as Attorney General Liz Murrill pressed for an open-ended fiscal administrator with broad powers, a condition city leaders rejected to preserve local control.
- Officials are pursuing FEMA reimbursements, unspent ARPA money and other receivables, weighing overtime cuts and possible furloughs, with an emergency meeting with state lawmakers set for Nov. 5.