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.
Category
Government & Politics
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.
City Council defers vote on overhaul for alcohol licenses
Kira Orange Jones qualified to run for BESE after judge denies challenge
The challenge was based on outstanding 2015 and 2017 state taxes. Jones filed them the day before qualifying for reelection.
Demonstrators say Entergy’s promises of lower bills are deceptive
The company is pushing a new rate plan with a PR campaign, called “Path to Progress.”
S&WB seeks $25 million in bonds for sewer repairs required by sewer consent decree
Money will be used for repairs in eastern New Orleans.
City won’t release real-time surveillance footage to the public, possibly violating state law
Aware that camera footage could be abused, the city developed a policy that shields most video from release. But that policy appears to go against state sunshine laws.
Entergy’s $210 million gas plant could cost customers more than $650 million, advocacy group says
Organization’s analysis says built-in profits, debt payments could add up to $240 million to $280 million. Entergy New Orleans disputes the figures, but does not offer specifics.
City Council passes tighter restrictions on short-term rentals
Some advocates worry that prospectors will use the nearly four-month gap between today’s vote and when the new rules go into effect to skirt restrictions on commercial permits.
