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Council debates mortgage disclosure on proposed Galliano property purchase
Summary
Councilman Melvin asked for more transparency after finding a mortgage on a property the parish previously voted to buy (18594 Highway 3235); the parish president said title insurance and closing procedures will resolve mortgage and lease issues and that the parish will not be on the hook if problems remain.
Councilman Mister Melvin reopened discussion about the proposed parish purchase of property at 18594 Highway 3235 in Galliano (tracks 1–4, Jerry Lade and Corina Petrie property), saying that when the council previously voted 6–3 he believed the presence or size of any mortgage was unknown. Melvin said he located a mortgage document and that someone had alleged $4,000,000 could be owed; he asked for full disclosure so the council could make an informed decision.
Melvin asked whether the council should revisit the vote in light of the mortgage. The parish president responded that title insurance and the closing process address liens, stating that the mortgage will be canceled at closing and the lienholder will be paid from proceeds; he said the parish would not be liable for outstanding mortgages. The president also said a separate lease on the property includes a 30-day termination clause and that legal review indicates the lease could be null and void because of an existing lease with Bristow.
Melvin requested the actual payoff amount be provided; the parish president said no bond is planned and that the payout will be handled through the budget over time. Council members agreed to provide documentary copies of mortgage records for review.
Why it matters: The item concerns a large property purchase and whether the council had complete title/mortgage information before the prior vote. The exchange centers on transparency and financial risk to the parish.
Next steps: Staff and councilors said they will exchange mortgage documentation; title insurance and closing procedures were cited as safeguards if liens or leases cannot be resolved.
