Terrebonne Parish Council holds hearing on commissioners' removal by parish president

The Terrebonne Parish Regular Council Meeting on June 25, 2025, focused on a significant hearing regarding the removal of four commissioners from the Houma Terrebonne Housing Authority (HTHA). The council convened to determine whether the parish president's decision to remove these commissioners would be upheld, following the procedures outlined in Louisiana Revised Statute 40:537.

During the meeting, the parish attorney detailed the charges against the commissioners, which included neglect of office and failure to fulfill their responsibilities. The specific allegations cited a lack of oversight of the HTHA's executive director, failure to file required reports, and inadequate management of housing resources, among others. Notably, the commissioners were accused of not addressing an estimated 800-unit housing shortage and mismanaging $28 million in insurance payouts received after Hurricane Ida.

The charges were formally presented, with a total of 13 points outlined, highlighting issues such as the approval of a five-year contract for the executive director, which violated the authority's bylaws, and the failure to hold regular monthly meetings as mandated. The commissioners, who were notified of their removal on June 4, 2025, had until June 10 to request a hearing to contest their dismissal.

All four commissioners submitted identical letters requesting a hearing, which prompted the council to schedule the proceedings. The council ensured that the commissioners received proper notice of the hearing's date, time, and location, along with the option for an executive session if desired.

This meeting marks a critical step in addressing governance issues within the HTHA and ensuring accountability among its leadership. The outcome of the hearing will determine the future of the removed commissioners and the management of housing authority operations in Terrebonne Parish.