Moreno Administration reduces overtime spending by $8 Million in First Quarter of 2026

NEW ORLEANS — Today, the City of New Orleans announced that Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration has been able to save the city $8 million in overtime spending in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025.  

For year over year comparisons, see below: 

2025 Q1 Total=$18,257,587 

2026 Q1 Total=$10,307,040 

2025 Two Weeks of Mardi Gras Total=$8,097,345 

2026 Two Weeks of Mardi Gras Total=$6,468,070 

The two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras are typically one of the biggest drivers of overtime spending each year, often making the first quarter more expensive than others. Despite increased activity in 2026, the city spent about $1.6 million less on Mardi Gras-related overtime than in 2025—contributing to the overall year-to-date reduction. 

“This shows we can do both: run a safe, successful major event and still be smart with taxpayer dollars,” said Mayor Helena Moreno.  “That’s the kind of disciplined, results-driven government the people of New Orleans deserve.” 

“This is about being responsible with taxpayer dollars while still delivering for residents and visitors,” said CAO Joseph Giarusso. “We were able to significantly reduce overtime costs, even during one of the busiest times of the year, by putting better controls and accountability in place.” 

Overtime had been a major driver of previous budget challenges. In response, CAO Giarusso implemented targeted policy changes, increased monitoring, and strengthened department-level accountability. As a result, overtime spending dropped by 44% year-over-year in the first quarter. New Orleans Police Department has also reduced overtime for the first quarter of 2026.

According to data provided by New Orleans & Company, our city welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors during Mardi Gras. Of those, 1.2 million were out-of-town guests who visited New Orleans between February 12 and 17, 2026. This represents a 20 percent increase compared to the same period during Mardi Gras 2025. 

The savings are part of a broader effort to bring spending under control and build a more stable financial foundation for the city. The Moreno administration continues to focus on practical, data-driven steps to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and ensure long-term fiscal stability.