NEW ORLEANS, LA — Councilmember Lesli Harris yesterday chaired her first
meeting as Chair of the New Orleans City Council’s Budget Committee, launching the year’s budget oversight work with a focus on financial discipline, transparency, and long-term stability.

The meeting also formally introduced the City’s Director of Finance, Alyssa Rambeau, who outlined immediate financial controls and early revenue updates.

"This was about setting the tone," said Councilmember Harris. "Collectively, we are tightening governmental oversight, establishing clearer reporting, and taking real steps to stabilize the City’s finances. New Orleanians deserve a government that is honest, disciplined, and accountable."

Highlights from the meeting included:

• Harris is working with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to streamline City financial reporting, including implementing clearer profit and loss statements, a working balance sheet, and more accurate, up-to-date numbers
• $16.9 million already received from the Sewerage & Water Board, with $26–29 million more expected this year
• Property tax collections underway: $12.9 million paid so far toward a projected $180.9 million
• A major bank account clean-up to streamline City finances
• Plans to hire 50 new parking enforcement officers and address an estimated $100 million backlog of parking fines and fees
• Renewed focus on NOPD overtime oversight, including plans to hire a comptroller dedicated to monitoring overtime spending
• Ongoing work between the Council and Administration to strengthen budget reporting and oversight under the City Charter

"As Budget Chair, my focus is simple," Harris added. "Protect the City’s financial
health, ensure community trust, and make sure every public dollar is working for the people."

The Budget Committee will continue meeting regularly as the City moves into the 2026 budget process.