Council members clarify term-limits ballot language, say lawsuit remains active

At the May 11 Tangipahoa Parish Council meeting, council members addressed public confusion about two charter propositions on the upcoming ballot and discussed an outstanding 2025 lawsuit tied to term-limit language.

The Chair (speaker 1) told voters that a "yes" vote on the proposition would change the charter to four-year terms and that a "no" vote would keep the existing limits. He said the council had been advised previously that placing a fourth-term option on the ballot would result in the plaintiff dropping the lawsuit, but, he said, "We found out as a counsel last Thursday when a news story came out that the lawsuit was not dropped." He added that the council is reviewing the late Mr. Moody's emails and communications to understand what occurred in the prior settlement process.

Other council members said their recollection was that the council had reached an agreement in 2025 and intended to present the charter change to voters to resolve the matter rather than leave it to a judge. One council member (speaker 6) who chaired meetings at the time said, "I know exactly what was discussed. I know exactly what was agreed to." Legal counsel (speaker 7) reported no matters at the start of the meeting and the council said it would continue to review the records to determine next steps.

Council members urged residents to vote, with one member noting previous turnout figures and urging community participation.

The council did not take formal action on the lawsuit at the meeting; members said they will continue reviewing former counsel communications and follow any legal advice before reporting further developments.