LUS Fiber was finally squeezed in at the 11th hour to a bill creating an ambitious grant program to provide broadband service to deprived areas of the state, overcoming complaints about competition between the public and private sectors.
LUS Fiber
LCG disregarded expert consultant’s advice in making Fiber director appointment
After a roughshod search, the Guillory administration appointed LUS Fiber’s first-ever independent director, moving forward with a hire against the advice of its expert consultant.
12 min read
5/18 Council Preview: More tax abatements, more drainage projects, and more police protests
On the docket for Tuesday night’s council meetings are approval for more drainage projects, a request to increase the LUS Fiber director’s salary, a report on police training, a request for another restoration tax abatement, and more.
5 min read
Opinion: The City Council has lost control over LUS and LUS Fiber
The past and current mayor-president have used loopholes to appoint unqualified directors for LUS and LUS Fiber without the City Council’s approval.
8 min read
5/4 Council Preview: Expenses rise, more drainage projects come to light
On the docket for the next city and parish council meetings are increased costs for LUS, budgeting the new LUS Fiber director’s salary, more drainage projects and a reprieve for some restaurant permit holders.
6 min read
Despite PSC decision, Guillory administration seeks reimbursement from LUS Fiber
Months after the Louisiana Public Service Commission decided to “close the door” on allegations of overpayments from LUS to LUS Fiber, the Guillory administration insists Fiber owes the utility system a refund.
5 min read
3/23 Council Preview: Fiber buildout, outsourcing a city pool, repurposing a rec center, school sidewalks and a controversial detention pond
Here’s a selection of items on the agendas for this week’s meetings of the city and parish councils.
4 min read
COLUMN: Will dysfunction continue to define LCG in 2021?
There’s a Cold War between the mayor-president and the City Council that could flare up at any time. The city faces a slew of controversial issues, while the parish’s finances continue to teeter on the brink of collapse, and consolidation is put on trial. These are the major stories I’ll be tracking at LCG this year.
8 min read
State regulators shut down further scrutiny of LUS/LUS Fiber transactions
The PSC, which has limited oversight of LUS Fiber, shut down any further scrutiny of a pending self-report from December 2019.
4 min read
Council Preview 11/18: A tax break, a city marshal, and four empty directors’ chairs
The gist: After the torrid pace of recent months, the agendas for both of this week’s council meetings are relatively light. There are some big discussion items to watch: redevelopment of the old federal courthouse and filling long-vacant director positions.
4 min read
Council Preview 10/20: Funding LCG pay raises, City Council grows impatient, offloading parish parks and rent assistance
The gist: This meeting presents several items at the root of recent confrontation between members of the City Council and mayor-president. Items addressing the council’s bid for independent legal representation, the ongoing LUS investigation and finding permanent leadership for it, LUS Fiber, parks and recreation and the police department are all on that agenda. Plus, the Parish Council is moving […]
8 min read
Council Preview 10/6: Answers on LUS investigation, what to do with LCG’s CARES Act money, polling locations, final adoption on parish tax increases
The gist: Some City Council members want more answers about the ongoing investigation into LUS and LUS Fiber, which the mayor-president escalated into criminal allegations. The Parish Council is likely to approve increases — without a public vote — for some property taxes to make up for lost revenue. Meanwhile, more money is pouring in from the federal government. Full […]
6 min read