Council authorizes parish officers to sign Fifth Ward drainage district accounts after public objections

After sustained public comment from Fifth Ward residents and a debate over scope, the Lafourche Parish Council approved a resolution (Item 23) to remove named signatories and authorize parish officials to sign on accounts belonging to Fifth Ward Gravity Drainage District No. 5.

Residents and former district employees told the council they feared the move could be retaliation or could strip local control from a long‑standing special district. Nancy Odin, a current Fifth Ward board member, said the district has no money, no equipment and has been advocating for residents’ drainage needs; she asked why the authority change would be retroactive to March 26. Charlie Bourgeoa, a former district employee, explained operational needs for right‑of‑ways and asked that drainage easements be protected when mitigation banks are approved.

Administration and the parish president said the board requested parish staff handle deposits, reimbursements and payments because the district has only a small checking balance (the president said about $200 remained) and no staff; the resolution was described as a limited administrative step to ensure bills could be paid. Councilman Melvin offered an amendment to limit the change to “financial accounts” only; that amendment failed on a council vote.

The original resolution passed on the floor after debate; the council recorded the motion as passing (vote recorded during the meeting). Parish officials stated the resolution does not dissolve the Fifth Ward district or alter the nomination/appointment process for board members, which would require an ordinance.

Next steps: Parish administration will work with the district and the bank to implement new signatory authority so pending deposits and reimbursements can be handled. Residents asked for continued communication and assurances that the district’s servitudes and drainage responsibilities will be preserved.