Harahan council certifies special-election results; fire millage renewal recorded, repeal measure failed

The Harahan City Council on Jan. 16 unanimously adopted two resolutions formally canvassing the returns of a Dec. 7, 2024 special election, recording that a proposed repeal measure failed and certifying the renewal of a special tax for the city fire department.

The action came during the council meeting when members considered Proposed Resolution 2025-1 and Proposed Resolution 2025-2. City Attorney Scott Stansbury told the council the first resolution "clearly states that the measure failed and that it did not carry and does not change the law on the term limits." The council voted 5-0 to adopt both resolutions.

The canvass recorded for the first resolution confirms the election rejected the measure to repeal an existing ordinance governing term limits. The second resolution certifies that voters approved the renewal of the fire department millage; council members thanked voters for supporting the renewal during discussion.

Both resolutions were offered unanimously by the council and passed on voice votes recorded as 5 yeas, 0 nays. No public speakers spoke on either resolution during the hearing.

The council’s formal certification does not, by itself, change ordinances beyond recording the election outcome; Stansbury framed the first resolution as the required post-election statement that the measure failed. The millage renewal certification documents the continued authorization of the special fire tax as approved by voters on Dec. 7, 2024.

Council members present for the votes were Councilman Asbill, Councilman Buddy, Councilman Chatelaine, Councilman Johnston and Councilman Ricks; Mayor Baudiere presided and Clerk Carrie Hughes recorded the proceedings.

No additional action related to the measures was taken at the meeting.