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Council asks state legislative auditor for forensic review amid budget uncertainty
Summary
The City Council passed a resolution requesting the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to perform a forensic audit to determine the scope and causes of the city's budget shortfall and provide an independent accounting of the deficit.
The New Orleans City Council adopted a resolution requesting that the Louisiana Legislative Auditor conduct a forensic audit to identify the existence and extent of any city budget deficit and recommend corrective measures.
Council members who supported the resolution said an independent, third-party review is necessary to reconcile differing fiscal estimates and provide a single set of operating facts for the council and administration. Council President Morrell and Vice President Elena Moreno spoke in favor of the audit, noting prior engagements in which the state auditor reviewed other local government budgets and helped identify previously unrecognized funds or issues.
Public commenters and observers echoed the need for clarity. The resolution passed following discussion and a recorded vote; proponents characterized the measure as a collaborative step to provide transparency and help the next administration begin the 2026 budget process with accurate figures.
Ending Council members said the audit would inform budget decisions this year and provide a foundation for negotiations with the administration and the incoming mayoral office.
