[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6678442,"mediaKeyId","2096614-0738a7da8c38709c625613ab0401f449","parentId",2096614,"title","Council approves first EMS fee increase since 2012 to address rising costs","audioSeconds",627,"startMs",6517000,"endMs",7144000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096614-0738a7da8c38709c625613ab0401f449&start=6517&end=7144","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096614-0738a7da8c38709c625613ab0401f449/thumbnail_6517000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6678442/New-Orleans-City/Orleans-Parish/Louisiana/Council-approves-first-EMS-fee-increase-since-2012-to-address-rising-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6678442-33e88bfe12f7ef32e6f1c7e481655b2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775382395&Signature=IYGYQ9t-pPAS~pZ8XoDxUszcerPEKUof9tK5cWlOmcXac4HOZirqm~Mny6351Q-i7uo0EmxUqM~aLfChVTigTZzSXJW3J5mHO6Qlene4-4JNIqTVa9B7Xh5HQFw~4kGv89KEK5PIAl8DD98JaCeqGb4qC2IOlIV36jukkhvmsN6duPI2iGLorcoeMKjSSb1xL3xfXIRkOfoMbRURqiY946X1fO6dGQ7AV4Zy2NQfVIz~45VLJs7B2avzbeNhiqNIPKUsbEo6j~JBZRRFRy14GVTzI-R9id7ZkLNu~Xk-LVUgp4IdQjx6FmmV~KjSKpu8una-miQCS25rbigoc~GzHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Orleans","date","2025-01-09T21:09:37.607Z","article","The New Orleans City Council voted to update the fee schedule for New Orleans Emergency Medical Services, marking the first adjustment to ambulance charges since 2012.

Council members and EMS officials said the change reflects sharply higher operating costs, including vehicle and equipment prices, medical supplies and staffing pressures. City EMS officials told the council that the department largely funds operations through patient billing rather than general tax revenue, and that reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers have not kept pace with rising costs.

Representatives from private ambulance companies operating in the region and the city’s EMS director testified in support of the increase, saying it would allow providers to maintain vehicles and personnel and to expand financial-assistance programs for patients who cannot pay. One provider said that the cost of a new ambulance has roughly doubled in recent years and that certain medical supplies remain in heavy demand and higher cost since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council members asked about consumer protections and how increases would affect patients’ out-of-pocket costs. EMS leaders said the city and permitted providers plan to strengthen financial-assistance policies, operate sliding-scale support tied to federal poverty guidelines and continue to seek higher reimbursements from payers where possible.

The council adopted the ordinance after public comment from EMS operators, consumer advocates and residents. The ordinance updates fees and directs EMS to expand its patient financial-assistance program and report back to the council on implementation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 1/9/25","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council approved an ordinance updating New Orleans Emergency Medical Services’ fee schedule, the first since 2012, intended to help cover rising operational costs and support ambulance services in the city and region.","taxTitle","New Orleans City, Orleans Parish, Louisiana","taxId",3651,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6678447,"City Council commends NOPD officers for actions during New Year’s Day attack",1793,2330000,4123000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096614-0738a7da8c38709c625613ab0401f449&start=2330&end=4123","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096614-0738a7da8c38709c625613ab0401f449/thumbnail_2330000.jpg","/articles/6678447/New-Orleans-City/Orleans-Parish/Louisiana/City-Council-commends-NOPD-officers-for-actions-during-New-Years-Day-attack","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6678447-8095895a8b068098c194e81b997cac10/orig.mp4?Expires=1775382395&Signature=czeoGEpg3QPB~TCxyjQYoSyobSn4RmCJmpCIoTr5NOEY0Im-Tf2h42pxN113V2fHm4zyXwX0ugv~gsw7YTO0O~d-DorppFow~whrTl8QOURWcY4Zp8e~BzoNERQjJ54nCFLnBPaTZqeXV70KSme~ts6TR0qqjoKVboYqhkISm7GjdLg4doDsIEq054iilFPJOwQBfcQHG0Eb8w7tMXFi1ezIgfm2GbTmG6ddy2C7LCmlRTBlBvjU6Qf43L~HhxG4t2NJfO2zDD-eMFJzZNyqguQjt2HXxzOqGcksqeM5cSmkNsZ6E0qph-oez2ip68CEHJASgW6fq~TrXQgQM1qNzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Orleans City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2519 on Jan. 9, issuing formal commendation to New Orleans Police Department officers and other first responders who intervened during the New Year’s Day attack in the French Quarter.

The resolution, sponsored by multiple council members, notes that video footage showed officers running toward danger, that officers and unnamed civilians helped to stop the assailant and to prevent additional device detonations, and it records the council’s condolences to victims and gratitude to first responders. The measure recognized the trauma faced by responding officers and encouraged those affected to seek services from the city’s trauma recovery resources.

Council members and speakers at the meeting repeatedly thanked NOPD personnel, ambulances and other first responders and urged the city to support officers’ mental health needs. Several members emphasized that the officers’ rapid action likely prevented more casualties and that those officers embodied the department’s mission to protect and serve.

Superintendent and department representatives introduced precinct commanders and field supervisors to the council and each officer on the dais identified their assignment and years of service. Public commenters including emergency medical and fire officials joined council members in praising the response and urged continued support for first responders.

The council recorded the resolution and directed that it be entered into the council’s formal minutes. No additional funding or policy changes were enacted by the resolution; it provides formal recognition and a public record of commendation.","The New Orleans City Council adopted a resolution commending New Orleans Police Department officers and other first responders who intervened during the January 1 attack on Bourbon Street.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6678450,"City council backs Lower Ninth Ward request for environmental, social impact assessments for proposed grain terminal",1883,9355000,11238000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096614-0738a7da8c38709c625613ab0401f449&start=9355&end=11238","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096614-0738a7da8c38709c625613ab0401f449/thumbnail_9355000.jpg","/articles/6678450/New-Orleans-City/Orleans-Parish/Louisiana/City-council-backs-Lower-Ninth-Ward-request-for-environmental-social-impact-assessments-for-proposed-grain-terminal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6678450-9de65662879c3500863742a1b44dc325/orig.mp4?Expires=1775382395&Signature=Wo4V~UgRubQCRHlSteomfo4uY3dUpWWCxPlLnx~gTmVvnIWNVqWFs8I0W~RUuN2W-RqpE-~miDRmCYD9N8zxv5cTcRFhVusRNZsCkG9MTeTvbUN80G0mBDLJgBFN6lFQxWH0iShwbR367SidNzhWDhbTp6vT6PX51MYQppayB4v97We45RZbDbxh2jNne~IQTKyLG1HHPePXg00yQR1ZmueeUqYibd~fsDEcAhhWgVO47BVzAGfnElmSH~471J8fX7BaaxhJhFAXbIjhVs94OAvy52yKizRkP1LDY5BbV76IavbDbCCw1oB1FO5stSJ0nD7NCzB6~hIrfaKbSCQFNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Orleans City Council on Jan. 9 adopted a resolution supporting requests from Lower Ninth Ward residents for environmental and social impact assessments of a proposed expansion by Sunrise Foods and associated rail improvements.

Resolution R2511 asks state and local authorities to evaluate the project’s potential impacts on air quality, noise, traffic, property values and neighborhood connectivity before further approvals move forward. Council members said the measure was intended to give residents a formal channel to secure technical studies and to register the council’s concern about health and quality-of-life effects reported by neighbors.

Dozens of residents and neighborhood leaders spoke during the meeting, describing the Lower Ninth Ward as a tight-knit, residential community and urging the council to require rigorous studies before industrial upgrades proceed. Speakers cited potential exposure to grain dust, frequent horn-blowing from trains, damage from nearby construction, and possible declines in property values. Several residents said they had young children or family members with respiratory conditions and expressed worry about long-term health risks.

“Grain dust is a very fine particulate that is very easy to get into deep into the lungs,” said Nicole Blair, a resident who said she has asthma in her family and asked the council to require assessment of respiratory risks. Other speakers pointed to community fragmentation, saying additional rail activity would create physical barriers between neighborhoods.

Council members stressed the council’s limited authority over state-regulated port and rail operations while pledging to coordinate with state legislators and other entities. Councilmember Morell noted that some project approvals fall under state jurisdiction and that the council’s resolution is a first step to align local and state officials on the need for public-facing studies and community engagement.

Supporters asked the council to pursue additional tools if state responses are insufficient. Several residents said they are preparing legal and organizational responses, and neighborhood leaders reported raising funds for technical review.

The resolution passed in a recorded vote; council members said it will be transmitted to state officials and relevant agencies. The council did not itself order any technical studies but pledged to pursue coordination and follow-up with state partners and to return to the issue as new information becomes available.","The New Orleans City Council voted to support residents’ calls for environmental and social impact studies related to a proposed Sunrise Foods grain terminal and associated rail infrastructure in the Lower Ninth Ward, prompting dozens of public comments at the meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6678455,"New Orleans City Council opens investigation of Bourbon Street barrier systems, limits document release",6260,2159000,8419000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096614-0738a7da8c38709c625613ab0401f449&start=2159&end=8419","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096614-0738a7da8c38709c625613ab0401f449/thumbnail_2159000.jpg","/articles/6678455/New-Orleans-City/Orleans-Parish/Louisiana/New-Orleans-City-Council-opens-investigation-of-Bourbon-Street-barrier-systems-limits-document-release","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6678455-140c25ba9b8fcbd890152d0ee2f998e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775382395&Signature=WJvKF5SSV7q368d58paKNycWqFaqNmfSoNvAv3DuCmOxAPNP1Vc0qJ9Ct9tQl9l-8ubB6pvxk7AGl1KUu87RYUfPX2RWPRORLCxZcFScpTioxH9y0lHDy73gWMQXpn32Wk0S6l4wDu1KEZWD4VVvJG7OW2PXpPgRZdA4CDpuHgfvK6DIpPZopspqdTAtJE3zcmF31Uj2VdBdBAGcNlwXb3LtEEgmlOnf3b-dCy-EQ5JumuNuQDt5QfRxId98EIR1YWXaGPhaW1zc7aRIp5qIBpMifkBp0toH4HPUsJXU~iLvewnrQr8189HA2BHj~Yqr2fi4IACEp0~qM8o39o3~cQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Orleans City Council voted to open a legislative investigation into the various street-barrier systems installed and proposed for Bourbon Street, and adopted an amendment that treats documents collected during the probe as confidential until the council determines otherwise.

The investigation, introduced as Resolution R2512 and adopted as amended, authorizes the council to seek engineering reports, procurement records, emails, contracts, meeting notes and other materials related to multiple barrier systems referenced in recent coverage and testimony. The amended language instructs council staff to hold documents confidential to the maximum extent permitted by law, citing concerns about revealing information that could affect public safety.

Council members said the inquiry is intended to be thorough and to preserve options for public hearings and legislative remedies based on the results. Council President Moreno told colleagues the probe will use the council’s subpoena powers if necessary to obtain documents from public and private parties. The council also said it expects to present a final report and, if warranted, follow-up public hearings.

The council’s amendment aimed at confidentiality drew public comment from residents and community advocates who wanted transparency; some said limited disclosure risked keeping the public out of safety planning. Others, including public speakers with security experience, supported the confidentiality clause to prevent premature release of sensitive security assessments.

Public commenters urged the council both to move quickly and to ensure the investigation produces usable public findings. Bruce Riley, a long-time French Quarter advocate who addressed the council during public comment, asked that the investigation examine all contracts and subcontracts, event operating procedures, and which entities were assigned responsibilities for deployment of security assets.

Council leaders said documents would later be made public as part of hearings or in the final report unless a concrete legal reason forbids release. The motion passed as amended by roll call, with the council recording the vote as adopted.

The investigation follows public concern after the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street and media and council requests for review of the street’s physical protections and related contracting and operations.

Next steps outlined by the council include collecting documents, conducting an internal review of technical materials, and scheduling public hearings when sufficient facts are assembled. The council indicated it will work to balance operational security with the public’s right to know about decisions that affect safety and street use.","The New Orleans City Council voted to start a legislative investigation into the design, procurement, installation and maintenance of barrier systems on Bourbon Street and to keep documents gathered during the probe confidential until the council authorizes release.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves first EMS fee increase since 2012 to address rising costs

City Council commends NOPD officers for actions during New Year’s Day attack

City council backs Lower Ninth Ward request for environmental, social impact assessments for proposed grain terminal

New Orleans City Council opens investigation of Bourbon Street barrier systems, limits document release