Audit options topic

Iberia Parish Council members will hear from District Attorney Phil Haney, who will open up the agenda Wednesday by discussing the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Report and the recovery of money noted in the report, as well as the options the Parish Council has at this point.

The council has requested advice from Haney’s office as to how to collect any improperly spent taxpayer money — if it is determined the money was spent improperly.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’ve already made my position clear. The auditors gave us some direction, and that’s what I’m going to follow,” District 1 Councilwoman Maggie Daniels said Monday. “I don’t know what he (Haney) is going to say. But I do know a lot of accusations were made.”

The audit report listed several thousand dollars in unsubstantiated spending by Iberia Parish government under Iberia Parish President Will Langlinais, who has denied most charges, though he has paid back the parish about $2,600 for out-of-town travel expenses and duplicate billing.

“I know he has 1,800 pages to go through, and I’m looking forward to what Phil has to say to get this behind us,” District 11 Councilman Jerome Fitch said.

Haney has said one contract brokered between Langlinais and local lawyer Shane Romero was beyond the scope of the Home Rule Charter and illegal. Romero received, through an oral contract, a monthly retainer fee for four years without council knowledge.

Romero received about $35,000 during those years — 2001 to 2005 — for his work for government.

Haney also will report on the progress of the parish’s Risk Management Program, the funding source for lawsuits filed against the parish, as well as other legal issues.