Will New Orleans' Inspector General get the funds needed to investigate Corruption that plagues the city?

Cerasoli has requested $2.9 million, an amount he initially said would let him hire a staff of 34. Having later learned that he also must pay pension and health benefits out of his budget, Cerasoli said $2.9 million would allow him a staff of about 24.

Nagin told the council that the $1.3 million he recommended for the new office is based on budgets for similar agencies in cities of comparable size.

After Nagin's address, Cerasoli called the $1.3 million "absolutely insufficient."

"Certainly, we're going to be able to do something, but we'll be performing at a lower level," he said.

In addition, he said, Nagin's budget includes no money for the Ethics Review Board, which requested $300,000. Cerasoli said he fears its money will have to come from his budget.

Council President Arnie Fielkow said the council will address the "significant gap" between Cerasoli's request and the mayor's recommendation during budget hearings.

Nagin warned the council against paying for programs it wants by increasing the amount of federal money the city will borrow next year. The budget already includes around $50 million in borrowing, and increasing that number could affect the city's bond rating, he said.