NEW ORLEANS – A property tax increase may pave the way to settle local firefighters claims they are owed money for raises they were promised, but never paid.
According to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune’s Robert McClendon Mayor Mitch Landrieu issued a proposal on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, that could raise $42.25 million. The plan would require voters to approve a property tax increase in a March 2016 election.
McClendon reports that tax would call for an additional 3 mills over 12 years, bringing the total tax dedicated to firefighters to 8 mills. McClendon adds the firefighter millage is not subject to the homestead exemption.
McClendon reports the $42.25 million would only satisfy a portion of the $168 million the firefighters' union claims is owed to its members and their pension plan.
This proposal also satisfies Orleans Civil District Judge Kern Reese wish, that Mayor Landrieu had until Friday, August 21, to come up with a plan for the city to pay these back-raises mandated by the state, McClendon reports.
According to McClendon, Councilwoman Stacy Head is sponsoring the settlement proposal that would most probably be discussed at the next City Council meeting on Thursday, August 20.
