Its precedent setting, and not in a good way.
The Shreveport Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board (" Board") has filed suit against the City of Shreveport, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux and each of the seven council members this week (collectively "Shreveport").
The suit seeks additional funds from the City to give a pay raise to the Board's secretary, court costs and attorney fees. The litigation was filed in Caddo District Court by Keiser & Nowlin, attorneys in Alexandria.
The lengthy lawsuit (56 paragraphs) has over 170 pages of exhibits. As of the publication of this column, an order had not been signed setting a hearing on the case. The case is assigned to Judge Mike Pitman.
The Board's secretary is a Shreveport employee who works exclusively for the Board.
The City offered a salary of $59,999 retroactive to January 2, 2023. The Board voted twice to have the secretary paid a salary of $65,000.
The Board has duties and obligations set forth in the Louisiana Constitution, state statutes, and the Shreveport Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board Rules and Regulations.
The City of Shreveport funds the Board, paying the salary of the Board secretary, the Board attorney, and stenographer.