Council introduces budget amendment ordinance and removes planning board nominee from consideration

The Harahan City Council on March 20 introduced Ordinance 2025-2, an amendment to the annual budget that would adjust capital project funds, including a line item for a sound system for press boxes.

Councilman Chatelaine presented the ordinance for introduction; the council did not take a final adoption vote and instead placed the ordinance on the agenda for introduction and future consideration.

Separately, following council discussion that a Planning and Zoning Board candidate had not submitted an application or provided information, the council voted to remove Chrissa Exterstein from consideration. Councilman Johnson moved to remove Exterstein from the appointment list; the motion passed with four yeas and one absence.

Votes and procedure: The council opened a public hearing on the removal and closed it with no public comment; the motion to remove Exterstein passed 4 yeas, 1 absent.

Why it matters: The ordinance would adjust the city's capital project budget and later council action will determine whether to adopt the changes. Removing a candidate from consideration narrows applicants for the planning board and signals council expectations for applicants to submit materials.

Next steps: Ordinance 2025-2 will move through the council's introduction and subsequent readings; the planning-board vacancy will be re-advertised or considered again when qualified applicants apply.