NEW ORLEANS —

On April 17, 2025, the day before Good Friday, the two top leaders in the Cantrell administration — Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montano and Chief Financial Officer Romy Samuel — appeared before the City Council with good news.

They said budget problems predicted by Cantrell in the year were over. Advertisement

"If we spent every dollar this entire year and everything comes to fruition, we will end the year with a $100 million fund balance," said Montano.

They said there would be no deficit and a $100 million surplus was expected at the end of 2025.

That hearing was five months ago.

Now, the city is facing a $160 million deficit with payroll on the line for city works.

Montano doubled down during that April meeting.

"This financial snapshot, I hope, presents

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