“I’m confident that as a Council working closely with the Chief Administrative Officer’s team, we can deliver a balanced budget just as we have done year after year. While I appreciate the administration searching for revenue raising solutions, we should pursue all other options rather than raising local fees and taxes. Cost of living burdens are already too high for the people of New Orleans. I appreciate CAO Joe Threat looking to find efficiencies in government, and as I mentioned in today’s meeting, there are even likely opportunities to draw additional revenues through strategy and early collaboration with our state legislators. I look forward to working to find solutions to meet the priority needs of the people of New Orleans and to address our budget obligations by December 1.”