Assessor defends costly policy on business taxes for weeks; later, his staff says the policy doesn’t exist
The policy Williams described likely would have cost the city and other Orleans Parish agencies millions of dollars.
Author: Michael Isaac Stein
- About Michael Isaac Stein
- Michael Isaac Stein covers New Orleans' cultural economy and local government for The Lens. Before joining the staff, he freelanced for The Lens as well as The Intercept, CityLab, The New Republic, and Pacific Standard. He was recently awarded a fellowship from the Heinrich Boll Foundation, which he used to report on water scarcity, division, and colonialism in Cyprus.
Top Cantrell deputy warns of dire consequences without increased property tax revenue, but council member calls it a ‘scare tactic’
Montaño says city could face $25 million budget hole without roll forward.
Convention center board rejects contract for fence made by prison labor, but it might go forward anyway
The contract was for an iron fence that's already been built. The convention center's general counsel said at this point, the board either has to buy it or "bear the consequences for breaching the contract."
Cantrell administration to make case for increasing property taxes on Thursday
Weighing options, city officials wrote in meeting notes that rolling forward is "good for budget" but "screws people over."
Council passes resolution calling for reviews, new policies on industrial tax exemptions, but assessor may not comply
Williams is currently conducting a review using his own process, one that he admits may not catch all invalid exemptions.
RTA, Convention Center brace for potential legal battle over tens of millions in hotel taxes
New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp. may also face legal dispute with Convention Center.
Days after reports of federal corruption probe, two city employees placed on ’emergency suspension’
Following scrutiny of invalid tax exemptions for two Folgers properties worth $40M, Orleans property assessor promises ‘comprehensive review’ of property tax breaks
Williams’ office automatically treats all industrial tax exemptions as valid for 10 years, but the Folgers exemptions were not renewed after their first five-year terms. The apparent oversight raises questions about record-keeping at the office.
Council utility advisors recommend mandating net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
The report cited “the unique vulnerability of New Orleans to the devastating consequences of climate change and the urgent need for decarbonization to prevent dangerous levels of global warming.”
Council members question whether the city is holding too many teens in the adult jail
There are currently 17 teenagers — ranging in age from 15 to 17 — being held in the juvenile wing of the adult Orleans Justice Center, even though there are 18 open beds at the juvenile facility.
