Moreno’s campaign to overhaul SWBNO arrives at City Council

(The Center Square) – Mayor Helena Moreno’s campaign to overhaul the Sewerage and Water Board has arrived at the New Orleans City Council, where members introduced a series of ordinances that take aim at the boards auhthority and independence.

Moreno backed legislation during the state session giving the city greater authority over the utility, then created a working group to develop the new governance structure. Her administration also plans to seek voter approval for a future charter amendment changing the board’s composition.

The most consequential of the measures introduced on Thursday include a lengthy ordinance that would shift much of the boards budgetary and financial authority to city council.

The council could approve or amend the Sewerage and Water Board’s operating and capital budgets, debt, rates, billing policies and five-year infrastructure plan. Council approval would also be required for certain legal, consulting and lobbying contracts and for the utility’s executive director and general sup...