KEY TAKEAWAYS: City reduced overtime spending by $8 million in Q1 2026. Costs dropped 44% year-over-year despite larger Mardi Gras crowds. Policy changes and stricter oversight credited for savings. More than 2.2 million visitors attended Mardi Gras, up 20%. New Orleans city officials sa y tighter controls on overtime spending saved taxpayers millions during the first three months of 2026 — even as the city hosted a larger Mardi Gras season than the year before. The administration of Mayor Helena Moreno reported $10.3 million in overtime costs for the first quarter, down from $18.3 million during the same period in 2025. The roughly $8 million reduction represents a 44% year-over-year decline, according to figures released by the city. The savings came despite the heavy demands of Mardi Gras, typically one of the most expensive periods for city staffing. Overtime tied to the two weeks leading up to the celebration totaled about $6.5 million this year, compared to just over $8 million in 2025 — a decrease of roughly $1.6 million. “This shows we can do both: run a safe, successful major event and still be smart with taxpayer dollars,” Moreno said. City leaders attributed the decline to policy changes and stricter oversight implemented by Chief Administrative Officer Joseph Giarusso. Those measures included increased monitoring of overtime hours and greater accountability at the department level. “This is about being responsible with taxpayer dollars while still delivering for residents and visitors,” Giarusso said. “We were able to significantly reduce overtime costs, even during one of the busiest times of the year, by putting better controls and accountability in place.” Overtime spending has been a persistent pressure point for New Orleans’ budget in recent years, prompting the administration to prioritize cost containment efforts. Officials said the New Orleans Police Department also contributed to the reductions by lowering its overtime usage in early 2026. The cost savings came during a Mardi Gras season that drew significantly more visitors. Data from New Orleans Company shows the city hosted more than 2.2 million visitors, including 1.2 million from out of town between Feb. 12 and 17 — a 20% increase from the same period last year. City officials said the combination of higher tourism activity and lower overtime spending underscores the potential for more efficient operations during large-scale events. The administration framed the reductions as part of a broader push to stabilize city finances through data-driven management and tighter fiscal discipline, with additional efforts expected throughout the year. ...read more read less