LAFAYETTE, La. — The Lafayette City and Parish Councils held their regular meeting Tuesday night where the city council went into executive session to discuss their plans moving forward with regard to the lawsuit that was filed against the city over ordinances that created the controversial Economic Development Districts.
The lawsuit - Timothy Supple, et al vs. The City of Lafayette - claims that "the city-parish council did not follow proper procedures for introducing and adopting ordinances creating districts."
All five city council members were in attendance and voted to move discussion of the lawsuit into executive session after LCG Assistant City-Parish Attorney Paul Escott provided an explanation on why it was prudent to do so.
While the discussion of the lawsuit among council members was in executive session is confidential, KATC reached out to each council member for comment.
Lafayette City Councilwoman Nanette Cook told KATC that the council is looking at its "next steps," adding that questions remain as to who will represent the council's interests if they go forward.
Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has publicly stated his opposition to the taxing districts, which were passed before he took office.
Guillory also proposed a repeal of the special taxing districts in March.
The lawsuit against the city was filed in December after being passed by the former Lafayette City-Parish Council and outgoing former Mayor-President Joel Robideaux.
In April, the City of Lafayette withdrew its request that a judge dismiss the lawsuit filed last year to challenge new taxing districts, court records indicate.
Guillory also presented a Budget-to-Actual Comparison of Major City Funds for December 2019 during his Mayor-President’s Report to both councils.
Guillory noted that the monthly Budget to Actual Comparisons are to comply with statewide auditing procedures.
Guillory also stated that the Buchanan Street Parking Garage Project to remove its deteriorating concrete paneling is 80% complete and within 70% of budget.
The Lafayette Parish Council held a special meeting where it unanimously approved a motion to amend and restate a previous parish resolution calling for an election to be held in Lafayette for the CREATE Millage Rededication.
Lafayette Parish Council Chair Keving Naquin stated that the proposition was being reconsidered to add information about the estimated revenue amount and a notation on the basis for the rededication.
The parish council also unanimously approved an ordinance that authorizes the filing of applications for grant funding that may become available to address economic hardships resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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