For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 31, 2022 3:22 PM
On March 16, 2022, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans’ (SWBNO’s) Board of Directors passed a resolution in response to proposed Louisiana House of Representatives Bill (HB 652).
SWBNO’s 11-member Board of Directors, comprised of Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Councilmember Freddie King, and other City and community representatives, sets policy for the utility, which is a subdivision of the State of Louisiana.
SWBNO provides annual and quarterly reports to the City Council that contain documentation regarding utility finances, operations, and customer service. The utility is audited by the local and federal Office of the Inspector General, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, and Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports performed by independent auditors.
“SWBNO has made continual and significant progress over the past several years under the current governance structure and guidance from the Board of Directors,” said Executive Director Ghassan Korban. “This includes the completion of a five-year strategic plan, adoption and implementation of a power master plan, development of a top-tier leadership structure and team, timely submission of annual financial reports, and successful procurement of grant, bond, and federal loan funding.”
As stated in our Board’s resolution, HB 652 as written does not improve upon or add accountability to the SWBNO governance structure.