GRAND COTEAU, La. (NEWS 15) — News 15 Investigates uncovered new concerns about missing tax money meant for fire protection in Grand Coteau. Over the past year, we’ve reported on financial issues from a state audit and budget cuts to the fire department.
Now, questions are emerging over the disappearance of $82,000 in annual taxes collected for the town’s fire department. Six years ago, voters approved a property tax hike to fund fire services, but it’s unclear how much of that money has been used for its intended purpose.
After the fire department’s staff was reduced last year, former Fire Chief Riley “Skippy” Grisham started asking questions and was subsequently fired by the mayor…