PUMPS Presentation and Resolution
Special Counsel to the Mayor Andrew Tuozzolo and Director of Policy & Research for the Mayor Leo John Arnett presented before the joint committee regarding PUMPS and the future of SWBNO.
The presentation outlined PUMPS' work to implement Act 938 and develop a long-term strategy to transition SWBNO to a locally controlled governance model. PUMPS is tasked with reviewing proposed legislation, evaluating legal, financial, operational, and governance impacts, engaging stakeholders, and providing policy recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.
To view the full presentation, click here.
Following the presentation, the committee recommended approval of a resolution that affirms the Council's support for developing and implementing a local-control governance model for SWBNO, building on PUMPS' work. Looking ahead, PUMPS will continue developing recommendations for a future governance model that could integrate SWBNO more closely with City government. Its ongoing work includes evaluating the legal, financial, operational, and infrastructure impacts of consolidating SWBNO functions into the City, recommending long-term accountability and performance measures to guide the transition toward local control, and more.
The resolution also commits the Council to remaining actively engaged with PUMPS, encourages the development of a long-term implementation roadmap, and calls for continued evaluation of key issues, including debt and bond obligations, rate-setting procedures, and more.
New Regulations for SWBNO Governance and Operations
The joint committee recommended approval of Ordinance No. 35,521, as amended, to establish a new governance and oversight framework for SWBNO following the passage of Act 938. The ordinance restructures SWBNO Board of Directors' roles and responsibilities, formalizes the City Council's authority over key matters, including rates, budgets, debt, major contracts, and executive appointments, and requires enhanced coordination between SWBNO and City agencies. The board of directors, with the exception of the ex officio members, would be selected by the mayor subject to confirmation by the Council, serve at the pleasure of the mayor, and focus primarily on SWBNO's day-to-day operations.
The ordinance also enhances the requirements for SWBNO's quarterly operations reports to include additional information on infrastructure, capital projects, environmental compliance, and system performance. It also mandates emergency notifications to elected officials, residents, and the media, as well as annual emergency preparedness planning.
The ordinance requires City Council approval of SWBNO's annual operating and capital budgets, mandates a five-year capital improvement plan with public engagement in each council district, and increases transparency and accountability for major infrastructure investments.
The amendment to Ordinance No. 35,521 further clarifies and strengthens the City Council's oversight authority over SWBNO.
Louisiana Legislative Auditor to Review SWBNO Finances
The joint committee recommended approval of a resolution requesting that the Louisiana Legislative Auditor conduct a review of SWBNO's finances. This audit would provide the City Council with a clearer understanding of the utility's financial condition and operational performance.
This independent audit will help the Council fulfill its new oversight responsibilities by evaluating SWBNO's financial health, legal compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness, ensuring greater accountability and transparency as the utility transitions to enhanced local oversight.
Motion Regarding SWBNO Bylaws
The joint committee recommended approval of a motion directing the SWBNO's Board of Directors to submit revised bylaws to the City Council by December 31, 2026, aligning the utility's governance with the Council's expanded oversight authority.
The proposed bylaws must address the roles and responsibilities of the executive director and general superintendent, including the potential consolidation of those positions, and update SWBNO's procurement policies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to promote fairness, equity, and alignment with City priorities.
SWBNO Civil Service Review
The joint committee recommended approval of an amended motion that directs the Civil Service Commission to review SWBNO's workforce as the City expands its oversight under Act 938. The review will evaluate whether compensation for SWBNO's classified employees is comparable to that of employees in similar public utilities and assess job descriptions and responsibilities for both SWBNO and City administration employees to identify overlapping duties, redundancies, and opportunities for better alignment between the utility and City operations.
Bond-eligible City Infrastructure Project List Amendment
The joint committee recommended approval of a resolution that updates the City Infrastructure Project List for the voter-approved $415 million General Obligation Infrastructure Bond Program. In accordance with Resolution R-25-427, it delays several projects across all Council districts in the Greater New Orleans area.
The amended project list includes investments in the Armstrong Park and Municipal Auditorium master plan, a citywide fire station alerting system, criminal justice technology modernization, Keller Community Center greenspace improvements, low-barrier shelter upgrades, traffic signal resiliency improvements, citywide sidewalk repairs, biosafety laboratory upgrades, new NOPD K-9 kennels, citywide NORD facility improvements, renovations to the Pecan Grove Recreation Center, and capital improvements for New Orleans Public Schools. The resolution adopts a revised and superseding Infrastructure Project List to reflect these changes.
It is important to clarify that the projects included in this resolution are delayed, not canceled, and that the Council and Administration have taken steps to distribute them equally across districts.
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