City of Kenner Budget Meeting for 2026-27 Fiscal Year

The City of Kenner held a budget meeting on May 19, 2026, focusing on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget proposals for various city departments including police, fire, emergency management, community development, recreation, public works, sanitation, wastewater, planning, communications, finance, and legal services. Significant procurement-related discussions included the Kenner Police Department's $27.4 million budget with a 6% increase, covering capital costs for equipment such as protective gear, weapons, vehicles, drones, and technology systems funded partly by state appropriations and grants totaling approximately $5.2 million. The fire department discussed capital improvements including new fire trucks, a new fire station estimated at $10 million, and staffing needs with a focus on salary raises and retention challenges. The meeting also addressed grant management and reimbursement processes, vehicle fleet replacements, and capital projects funded through dedicated millages and grants. Legal fees and outside counsel budgets were increased to address rising litigation. The city is managing fund balance deficits, with the police department drawing $9.2 million from the general fund. The meeting included motions and discussions on budget transparency, grant accounting, and capital expense tracking to ensure proper fiscal management and procurement oversight.