On the fifth day of the City Council’s budget hearings, administration officials laid out how it planned to crack down on STR enforcement and restore trust in the Department of Safety and Permits.
Category: Government & Politics
Posted inGovernment & Politics
At budget hearing, council raises privacy, cost concerns over ‘smart cities’ proposal
A proposal under consideration by the Cantrell administration would create a city-led internet service and lead to the installation of thousands of ‘smart’ devices that could collect data on residents.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Gusman delays budget presentation, to frustration of criminal justice advocates
Sheriff’s budget hearing pushed to after primary election. Gusman’s office claims it must meet with court-appointed budgetary working group before the budget hearing, but the chair of the working group says that’s not necessary.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Group says it will continue work against Cantrell City Hall proposal until city stops advertising for bids on it
A Cantrell spokesman called the plan ‘dead in the water’ this week, but bid solicitations remain active on the city’s contracting portal.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
See inside the proposal to create a ‘city-directed’ internet service to compete with Cox and AT&T
The proposal also includes the introduction of thousands of “smart cities” equipment throughout the city equipped with cameras and other data collecting sensors.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Two years after Hard Rock collapse, City Council passes ‘responsible’ contractor requirements
The new law creates new disclosure requirements for contractors and new responsibilities for the city, including keeping a list of “non-responsible” contractors.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City comes out against Amendment 1, but some OPSB members express support
Supporters argue the change could bring in more funds, while opponents worry the city would lose control over collections.
Posted inLand Use
Despite ongoing opposition and proposed zoning changes, city still looking for contractors to redesign Municipal Auditorium as new City Hall
Over the summer, Mayor Cantrell met with a group opposed to the plan, telling them to come up with their own ideas for how to use the building. The group has been working on it but has not heard from city officials since July.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City Council reduces Entergy bill increase, but gas bill hikes still coming next week
The council also began the process to create a “system resiliency and storm hardening plan” by March of next year.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Mayor Cantrell releases proposed 2022 city budget
The City Council will begin hearings next week to determine whether it’s going to make any changes to Mayor Cantrell’s draft before finalizing a budget by the end of November.