Contrary to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell's position, the New Orleans City Attorney says mayor is considered an employee of the city, and is therefore required to repay the city for the cost of her travel upgrades.
The New Orleans City Council sought out the city attorney's opinion after the mayor refused to pay for the upgrades. Cantrell argued that the city ordinance that requires employees to pay out-of-pocket for any travel on city business that's not in coach did not apply to the mayor.
"As per the Charter and state law, elected officials are deemed to be employees of the City," Donesia Turner, City Attorney, wrote to the council.
The memorandum from Turner is an opinion, not a legal ruling.
New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno has broached the idea of docking the mayor's salary if Cantrell insists on not reimbursing the city for her upgrades. Cantrell's upgraded travel expenses total roughly $30,000.
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