Captains say a $25 surcharge has been suggested to reduce deficit
NEW ORLEANS - The City of New Orleans is considering asking Carnival float occupants to pay a new riding fee in 2027, according to a Mardi Gras krewe captain.
The city said in a statement that its expenses outpaced its revenue by $3.75 million in the 2026 Carnival season, and that it has to consider all options moving forward. Gian Durand of the Krewe of Oshun said she and other krewe captains recently discussed the proposed fee in a meeting. She said each float rider might be asked to pay the city $25 to help cover Carnival expenses.
The city said it was not part of that meeting and has not confirmed it is considering a fee.
“Mardi Gras cost the city money. And I guess, given our situation, we’re trying to find ways to see how we can … the krewes can contribute to some of the cost,” Durand said. The Krewe of Iris sent a memo to its riders last week warning of the possible fee. Durand said she still has many questions about it.
“I just feel that I need more information, because I don’t know what that would look like,” Durand said. “I mean, we can charge a $25 fee. I’m concerned about logistics. How does that work?
Reporting structure? ” Dillard University political analyst Dr. Robert Collins said the possible fee is the city’s way of preventing this year’s $220 million budget shortfall from happening again.
“The city cannot afford to continue to absorb all of these cost overruns,” he said. “And so the only way to do that is to ask the krewes to partner with the city and to pay a higher percentage of the cost for putting on Mardi Gras. ” Collins said the decision will not come without pushback, especially since riding in a krewe already is pricey.
Collins said coming up with creative ways to reduce the Carnival deficit will be difficult, since the season leading up to Mardi Gras is a free show, as opposed to other paid events that could produce tax and other kinds of revenue for the city. Alabama Primary Election ResultsHigh-speed chase involving a U-Haul started in Saraland, ends on Airport BoulevardThousands turn out for Trinity Gardens Parade
New Orleans Carnival Costs Krewe Of Oshun New Orleans Budget Deficit Mardi Gras 2027
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