New Orleans has long benefited from your dedication and professionalism. I want to thank you personally for your service to our citizens.

As we look toward a brighter future for our beloved city, we are faced with difficult decisions. Financial constraints in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina have forced us to lay off up to 3,000 City employees. If you have not been contacted by your direct supervisor to report back to work, you should consider yourself part of the layoff.

We sought funding from every possible public and private source, but unfortunately, we did not receive enough to meet all our needs. City administrative employees will be paid through the end of the pay period week of October 8, 2005, and will be issued a final pay check on October 14, 2005. All Police and Fire employees will receive a payroll check on October 21, 2005. This will be the last payroll check for non-essential employees.

Anyone who normally receives a paper check rather than direct deposit should call (866) 710-7030 to register for a payroll debit card.

You must register with the City tracking service by midnight, Friday, October 14, 2005, to provide updated contact information in the event the City is able to reinstate employees in the future. The tracking service, at (800) 509-6060, is available from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. You should be ready to provide your name, current address and social security number.

If you are eligible for retirement, please register and provide information to help process your paperwork either for regular retirement or retirement under the Rule of 80. The Employee Retirement System can be reached at (504) 658-1850.

The City will use updated contact information to provide you with information regarding Cobra. Employees who have been terminated and want to maintain Cobra coverage must elect this coverage within 30 days from October 8, 2005, and send their Cobra payments to IMG, Marketing, P.O. Box 229, Okema, OK 74859. To get Cobra forms, contact the Hospitalization Department at 504-658-8615.

In addition, all employees who are part of the layoff are asked to turn in any City property immediately, including cell phones, cars and fuel cards. If you drove a City-registered vehicle out of the area due to the evacuation, please contact Jay Palestina at (504) 658-8635, (504) 915-9845, or (504) 915-9846.

We are all facing difficult times, but we will work tirelessly to bring New Orleans back. Thank you again for your service and your understanding. Together, we can build a better New Orleans for everyone.

Sincerely,

Mayor C. Ray Nagin