Mayor Mitch Landrieu said the city has made its first required $15 million payment to the Firefighters Union, a few days before it was due.
The city said it wired the money as part of the $75 million settlement with the union that was reached last October.
In April 2016, the City will go to the voters for a 2.5 mill increase to cover the costs of the remaining obligations.
“Our firefighters do an excellent job for the people of New Orleans,” said Mayor Landrieu. “Just yesterday, many of the NOFD firefighters risked their lives to contain a major fire on Canal Street and ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.” By settling the decades’ long lawsuit regarding firefighters back pay and resolving the pension lawsuit, we are doing right by them and better positioning our city for the future.”