| Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits an Acadia Parish Police Juror from contracting with the Acadia Parish Library. |
|
Zuri Poullard was recently elected to the Acadia Parish Police Jury ("the Police Jury"). For the past three years, Mr. Poullard has provided janitorial services to the Acadia Parish Library ("the Library") through his independently-owned company Z's Janitorial and Flooring Services ("the Company").
The Library is a component part of and is governed by the Acadia Parish Police Jury; however, the Library is emancipated and manages and pays all of its expenses. The Police Jury approves members of the Library board and has the authority to adjust the Library's tax millage. Additionally, because the Library is unable to own property, the Police Jury owns the properties on behalf of the Library. However, the Library board approves the annual budget and vendor contracts; the Police Jury has no authority over these matters.
The Library asks if Mr. Poullard may continue providing the janitorial services since he is now on the Police Jury, given the governing relationship between the Police Jury and the Library. The Library does not have a formal, signed contract with the Company, but transacts through monthly invoices at the same rate ($1,000 per month) since the initial invoice in January 2023.
|
|
La. R.S. 42:1113A(1)(a) states no public servant, or member of such a public servant's immediate family, or legal entity in which he has a controlling interest shall bid on or enter into any contract, subcontract, or other transaction that is under the supervision or jurisdiction of the agency of such public servant.
Ethics Board Docket 2025-295: An automatic renewal of a contract does not violate 1113A(1)(a), but renewal is only considered automatic if no action is required by either party.
|
|
|
Adopt proposed advisory opinion.
|
|
| Assigned Attorney: |
Kelsey Simmons |
|
|