LAFAYETTE, LA — A lawsuit has been filed against the city of Lafayette in regards to ordinances that created economic development districts in the city.
The lawsuit claims that "the city-parish council did not follow proper procedures for introducing and adopting ordinances creating districts."
Lafayette attorney Lane Roy is representing the plaintiffs, which are Timothy and Jeremiah Supple, Keith Kishbaugh, Carol Ross, Mark Tolson, and Ross Little, Jr.
Roy writes in the lawsuit that the council must hold a public hearing at least 30 days prior to adopting an ordinance and at least 30 days before enacting the district.
He also alleges the 10 days notice required before introducing an ordinance was not followed.
The tax districts were up for final approval at the December 18 city council meeting, where five out of the six were approved.
The districts were initially proposed by Mayor-President Joel Robideaux.
Incoming Mayor-President Josh Guillory released a statement in opposition to the districts, stating:
"I am opposed to passage of the proposed new taxing districts being considered during the last meeting of the Lafayette City-Parish Council. I believe these matters are important enough that they should be held over until the new City and Parish Councils can give them thorough consideration and receive greater public input. This isn’t something we should rush through at the last minute without proper study and analysis."
The lawsuit can be read here.
Timothy Supple Et Al vs City of Lafayette Economic Development District Lawsuit (Text)
