NOLACityCouncil.com, November 8, 2010
New Orleans, LA – The Council considered the city’s public safety departments in budget hearings today.
Chief Ronal Serpas, Superintendent of Police, appeared before the Council to address budget items relative to the New Orleans Police Department, including reduction in violent crime, faster response times and new standards for officer recruitment.
Chief Charles Parent, Fire Department Superintendent also appeared before the Council to address budget items relative to the New Orleans Fire Department. The Council emphasized the importance of sufficient staffing, coordination with the volunteer fire department and appropriate allocation of department resources.
Additionally, the Council received a presentation from Dr. Jeff Elder, Interim Director of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), regarding budget items relative to the Health Department’s EMS.
The Council also heard from representatives of the Chief Administrative Office – Equipment Maintenance Division, Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, and the Orleans Parish Communication District.
This year, the City’s budget presentation and hearing format follow the “Budgeting for Outcomes” model, which is organized by “result area” rather than department. Therefore, the Council’s budget hearings are organized thematically around the following result areas: Children and Families, Economic Development, Innovation, Sustainable Communities, Open and Effective Government, and Public Safety.
The next budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 9 at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber. The hearing will be led by the Budget and Economic Development and Special Development Projects Committees and will address Enterprise Funds and Special Districts, as well as the Law Department and Safety and Permits Department – Vehicle Inspection from today’s result area.
For more information on the 2011 City Budget process and the full budget hearing schedule, click here.
Live streaming video, as well as archived video, of all 2011 budget hearings will be available here on the City Council’s website. For more information on how to access and use the streaming video functionality, click here.
