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Council delays administrative-adjudication ordinance for code enforcement pending budget funding
Summary
An ordinance to create an administrative adjudication process for code enforcement was presented and then deferred so the council can include funding in upcoming budget hearings and better explain enforcement changes to the public.
Council member Gui introduced an ordinance on Oct. 24 to enact Chapter 24 of the parish code—an administrative-adjudication framework intended to strengthen enforcement, abatement, liens and other remedies for property and public-health code violations.
Gui told the council enforcement has been ineffective because the parish lacks personnel and budget authority to carry penalties through to corrective action; he said legal staff drafted language based on practices in other parishes and emphasized the enforcement provisions were the key change. He and staff said the ordinance will not be voted on until after the Nov. budget hearings because the proposed enforcement program requires a dedicated budget and staffing.
Members of the public and several councilors requested a public explanation or local hearings in affected districts, and Gui agreed to a short presentation when the item returns. The ordinance was deferred to allow the budget process to include contract labor and a superintendent position for enforcement and to allow time for outreach and more detailed implementation planning.
Next steps: Administration will present budgeted enforcement staffing and the finalized ordinance language during or after Nov. budget hearings; council members suggested district outreach to explain the ordinance nd the consequences of enforcement.
