The contractor was selected without a public bidding process. And a local surveillance watchdog group has concerns about how it will be used.
Nominee Dana Henry actively campaigned for a 2020 ballot measure that would have stripped 40 percent of the library’s tax collections
Approvals for a package of tax breaks, including two that were rejected last month, could have cost the city $25 million over a decade.
The revenue would be administered by the appointed French Quarter Management District instead of the City Council, under the new proposal.
The tax cuts were applied to nearly every commercial property in the parish, costing the city millions in property tax revenue.
If Jason Williams resigns his seat before Monday, he will trigger a special election rather than an interim appointment. A statement from his office implies he is leaning toward resigning effective Monday, but he stopped short of a definite answer.
Administration is banking on better-than-expected economy and federal aid to fund the additional payroll costs, otherwise layoffs may come by the end of the year
The ordinance that was ultimately passed wasn't as ambitious as the original, but advocates say it's a good start.
A final City Council vote on the remaining four Folgers exemptions is expected on Jan. 14.
The success of the ballot measure could come down to whether the French Quarter Management District and the city can strike a deal on the use and control over the funds.