Meetings
 
Agenda Item
 Docket No. 18-1334
 
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RE:
Advisory opinion request regarding the propriety of the sister of two members of the Cottonport Board of Aldermen being employed by the town's police department.
Facts:
Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics (Code) would prohibit Jermaine Prater, the sister of two members of the Cottonport Board of Alderman, from being hired by the Cottonport Police Department. Chief Anderson provided that Cottonport is governed by the Lawrason Act. He added that while he makes budget and hiring recommendations, those recommendations must be approved by the Cottonport Board of Alderman. Ms. Prater's sisters, Margaret Prater-Jenkins and Demple Prater, both currently serve on the Cottonport Board of Alderman.
Law:
La. R.S. 42:1119B provides that no member of the immediate family of a member of a governing authority shall be employed by the governmental entity.

La. R.S. 42:11102(13) defines "immediate family" to include a public servant's siblings.

La. R.S. 42:1102(11) defines "governing authority" to mean the body which exercises the legislative functions of a political subdivision.

AO 2015-159: Vivian Town Clerk's son prohibited from being employed by the Vivian Police Dept. as a dispatcher because Police Dept. under the supervision of Board of Aldermen.

AO: 2014-011: Breaux Bridge Alderman's sister prohibited from being employed by the Breaux Bridge Police Dept. since Police Dept. under the supervision of Board of Aldermen.

Recommendations:
Adopt draft advisory opinion.
Assigned Attorney: Suzanne Mooney
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2018-1334- Draft Opinion
2018-1334 Request for Opinion