Tensions in the Harahan city government reached a boiling point Thursday night as the council and police chief lambasted the administration for poor communication and lack of transparency as they face a lawsuit over an allegedly forged building permit.
Harahan City Council members accused the city finance team of intentionally concealing monetary information from them and considered placing a hiring freeze on Mayor Tim Baudier after his administration failed to provide them with numbers on actual spending compared to the budget for each department ahead of the monthly meeting. The council had intended to conduct a midyear budget review to determine if any amendments were needed.
Police Chief Edward Lepre joined the criticisms, saying the city incorrectly told him that the police department was over budget in a public records request and has yet to share an accurate budget with him — “we don’t know what’s going on,” he said…