New Orleans City Council approves millage roll-forward, raising taxes and mitigating budget cuts

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans property owners will see higher property tax bills and potentially fewer budget cuts in 2027.

The New Orleans City Council approved a roll-forward of a combined 4.039 mills, which Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration expects twill generate $23,270,000.

$21,500,000 is expected to flow to the city budget, with the rest helping fund the Audubon Commission and City Park improvement.

The commission oversees the Audubon Park and other recreational facilities in the city.

The council approved the roll-forward it works its way out of a budget crisis and the possibility of $77 million in cuts.

The money will flow to the general fund, city first responders and park system.

However, the council will pass the budget that spells out what the money specifically pays for.

The council is expected to pass the 2027 budget before the end of the month.

Moreno announced in October she wants the millage roll-forward funds to restore the following cuts she proposed:

• Low barrier shelter 
• Right to counsel 
• Non-curbside sanitation services 
• Mardi Gras post-parade cleanup 
• Parks and parkways grass and vegetation cutting 
• Neighborhood engagement office 
• Fire department staffing 
• NOPD civilian staffing and traffic incident response 

The council unanimously approved the roll-forward.

Councilmembers took turns stating it was not an easy decision, but necessary to protect city personnel and services.

Moreno released a statement reading:

“I want to thank the City Council for its leadership in passing this modest, partial millage roll forward.

This is a responsible decision that will help us mitigate cuts to essential city services and move New Orleans closer to fiscal stability.

This is a new era of collaboration between the Mayor’s Office and City Council, where we are willing to make tough decisions together to ensure reliable City services, improve quality of life, and continue attracting new investment by building confidence in our city government’s ability to deliver.

Today’s vote is an important step toward restoring our long-term financial security.”

Property owners can calculate the expected increases on the city’s website.

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