Inspector General returns $1.2 million of budget
From Sunshine Review
21 November 2008
Robert Cerasoli, Inspector General of New Orleans announced that he would be returning $1.2 million of his 2008 budget back to the city. Cerasoli said obstacles have prevented him from spending the entire budget, including civil service rules that have hampered him in hiring employees. The money will help to fill the $24 million budget gap in the city's 2009 budget.[1]
[edit] IG Progress
On friday, city council members said they are so far pleased with the work of the newly created office. Cerasoli promised to have a hotline up by January 1 where citizens can call to report corruption and inefficiency of local governments. Rather than an automated syste, the hotline will be manned by real people and possibly be available 24 hours a day.
Also by next January Cerasoli said he will begin the hunt to fill three positions related to the "independent police monitor" that was approved by voters in the same charter amendment that made the Inspector General's office permanent. The monitor's role will be to keep watch on the New Orleans Police Department, especially how it deals with complaints against officers.[1]
[edit] 2009 Budget
Mayor Ray Nagin's proposed budget for 2009 has Cerasoli's office budgeted at $3.7 million. However, that figure includes a property tax increase, which the city council has vowed not to approve.[1]
