New Orleans would have even greater difficulty filling potholes and maintaining traffic signals and street signs next year under Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s proposed 2026 budget, warned the city’s Department of Public Works Director Rick Hathaway.
At the Oct. 16 budget hearing, Hathaway said with the $4.6 million in cuts suggested, the department would have trouble addressing complaints about potholes, streets, ditches, traffic signs and maintenance. However, he noted emergency traffic signal repairs would continue.
The cuts would bring its budget down from nearly $28 million in 2025 to more than $23 million. Compared to last year, the department would be reducing its number of budgeted staff positions by six people…