GRETNA, LA (AP) — Pay raises for Gretna's administration and police and an emphasis on streets and drainage are highlights of the city's 2016 budget.
NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune’s Andrea Shaw reports the city council unanimously approved Wednesday an overall $35.7 million spending plan that includes $17.6 million to run the municipality's daily operations. The fiscal year begins April 1.
Employees in city administration will receive a 3 percent salary increase. The cost will be paid through savings from the refinance of 2004 sales tax bonds. In the police department, uniformed, post-certified officers will receive a 6 percent salary boost and support staff will get 3 percent.
The council approved refinancing a 2004 bond issue to pay for water and sewer system improvements. That will save the city more than $400,000 for the next 10 years.
