LAFAYETTE, La. — The ordinance introduced by Mayor-President Josh Guillory to the Lafayette City and Parish Councils to repeal the five controversial Economic Development Districts has been delayed.
According to a release sent by Lafayette City Councilman Pat Lewis, who serves as chair of the Lafayette City Council as well as on the Economic Development District Board of Directors, more review is needed to consider the move to abolish the special taxing districts.
A lawsuit is also pending against the City of Lafayette regarding its passage of the the Economic Development Districts.
The release from Lewis states:
Mayor-President Josh Guillory submitted five (5) individual ordinances for City Council consideration during the March 3rd meeting to abolish each Economic Development District (EDD).
Because of existing litigation on this matter and the already signed Cooperative Endeavor Agreements with third parties, I have made the decision to hold off on placing these ordinances on the agenda. It is imperative that we ensure that the City is protected.
Further, I’ve asked the question on whether the “City Council” should be considering these matters that are now in the hands of the Economic Development District Board of Directors.
In closing and as Chair, I wanted to share my decision that these five (5) ordinances to abolish the EDDs, will not be placed on the City Council agenda, until more time is allowed to vet these important matters.
Earlier this month, Guillory stated his opposition to the special taxing districts and his intention to propose an ordinance to the Lafayette City and Parish Councils to repeal the economic development districtsapproved by the prior City-Parish Council in the final days of the previous administration.
Guillory said he planned to introduce the ordinance at the Joint Council meeting on March 3, with the final vote expected on March 17.
The Economic Development District Board of Directors met for the first time on Tuesday and approved the levying of two taxes within each district's boundaries.
