New Orleans overtime spending jumped by 80% from 2022 to 2025, an increase that was disproportionate to the growth in payroll and staffing and signals poor management inside City Hall, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor found.
Auditor Mike Waguespack issued the finding in a report that credits Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration for reducing overtime costs while also recommending city leaders reconsider their policy allowing workers to cash in on unused sick time when they leave the job.
The auditor also said the city should keep better records of retention bonuses paid to public safety personnel…