NEW ORLEANS --It was the New Orleans Police, as well as firefighters and the EMS, pitching to City Council members why their funding should remain intact.
Superintendent Warren Riley said that of the proposed $10 million dollar budget cut, the $440,000 dollar cut to the department's operating fund would cause the greatest concern. That is the budget that funds police presence for the city's major special events, like Mardi Gras and sporting events.
"Cutting that will hurt us to a degree as it relates to overall coverage. Does it put residents in high jeopardy? No," said Riley. "The coverage will be there."
The New Orleans Fire Department faces a shortfall as well, plus the millions of dollars the city already owes to the Fire Fighters Pension Fund. Fire officials say it is all coming to a head at once, and will most certainly spell disaster.
"The entire Nagin administration has pushed this 800 pound gorilla off, and now ... it has a big price tag to it," said Nick Felton, president of the New Orleans Fire Fighters Union.
Councilwoman Stacy Head said the problems with the pension fund started under the Morial administration, and is now almost down to almost a zero balance.
"That's a problem because once it is down to zero, there is no guaranteed payment for those retired firefighters. And we owe the bond indebtedness, so double whammy," she said.
Richard Hampton, CEO/Secretary-Treasurer of the New Orleans Fire Fighters Pension and Relief Fund said the problem may have started years ago, but mayor Nagin's administration has avoided finding a solution.
"Now we are faced with an overwhleming deficit on the city side as well as long term unfunded liability that's been ignored for too many years, coming into play at one time," said Hampton.
The City Council will hear Thursday from the Public Works Department, the City Planning Commission and Safety and Permits.
