Despite Wednesday's Vote Shreveport City Council May Investigate 'Pay-gate'
According to a Shreveport City Council Administrative Conference Meeting document obtained by American Ground Radio, it appears that an investigation into the ‘Pay-gate’ scandal may be forthcoming despite a resolution calling for it being voted down Wednesday. The scandal saw unauthorized pay raises for the City Council Clerks Office applied by Chairman James Green later rescinded in Council Wednesday after a public apology from Green.
The meeting Wednesday offered two proposed resolutions, first to rescind the raises and the second to open an investigation, the rescission passed unanimously, the proposed investigation failed in a 2-2 vote. However, new documentation suggests in it’s purpose “The City Council wishes to conduct an investigation regarding the receipt of documentary evidence of unauthorized salary increases to employees of the Council.”
According to the Fact Sheet labeled as originating form Councilmen Taliaferro and Boucher,
“Members of the Council have received documentary evidence indicating the salaries of some City Council employees were increased without the consent of a majority of the City Council. Pursuant to Section 4.29 of the Charter of the City of Shreveport, the council, or any committee thereof when authorized by the council may investigate the conduct of any office, department of the city government or of any officer of employee thereof. Further, La. R.S. 42:17(A)(5) provides that a public body may hold an executive session pursuant to La R.S. 42:16 to investigate proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct. With respect to the Charter and Louisiana law, the City Council wishes to launch this investigation.”
The timetable given for the new resolution is to be introduced to the Council on Tuesday, August 22nd. The Fact sheet was prepared by City Attorney Marcus Edwards and bears the note:
“It is recommended that the City Council adopt the resolution.”
The text of the resolution itself reveals the investigation will be authorized for the purpose of “Investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct,”
It is unknown as of this report whether or not the vote will proceed as recommended or if the resolution will be amended or rejected. This is a developing story, AGR will continue to update our readers and listeners.