ALEXANDRIA, LA (4/16/2025) — In a decisive opinion, the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal has reversed Ninth Judicial District Court Judge Monique Rauls’ ruling that voided actions taken by the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority (GAEDA) on February 19, 2024.
The court held that GAEDA acted in full compliance with the Open Meetings Law and dismissed all claims brought by Commissioner John Callis.
Callis—appointed by Alexandria Councilwoman Lizzie Felter (District 2)—had alleged GAEDA failed to give proper notice of its meeting where it approved an employment contract for Executive Director Angela Varnado. Judge Rauls sided with Callis in July 2024, declaring the meeting unlawful due to its timing on Washington’s Birthday, which she ruled was a legal holiday that invalidated the 24-hour notice period.
However, the Third Circuit disagreed, stating in its official opinion:
We find that the trial court erred in its declaration that GAEDA conducted its Monday, February 19, 2024, meeting in violation of the Open Meetings Law. […] We reverse that judgment as well as the trial court’s corresponding denial of Ms. Varnado’s peremptory exception of no cause of action. We enter judgment in favor of Ms. Varnado, dismissing Plaintiff’s claims against her.
The appellate court clarified that although Washington’s Birthday is listed under Louisiana’s legal holidays in La. R.S. 1:55, it is only considered “observed” when proclaimed by the governor. Since it was not observed by the state or city in 2024, and all government offices remained open, it could not be excluded from the 24-hour meeting notice calculation.
Ruling Emphasized
The ruling emphasized the public’s right to be heard under the Open Meetings Law must be balanced with practical notice standards:
Affording a hyper-technical reading of this convoluted statute […] would defy both purpose and common sense.
The court rendered final judgment in favor of Varnado and GAEDA, declaring the meeting lawful and dismissing the petition. All costs of the appeal were assessed to Callis.
Callis, who initiated the lawsuit but has reportedly not attended any GAEDA meetings in 2025, has not yet issued a public response.
Angela Varnado continues in her role as Executive Director. She expressed hope that the ruling allows the organization to move forward, stating, “My heart is in public service, and I will continue to do my best for our community.”
Varnado was represented by attorneys Allison A. Jones and Marcus D. Sandifer of Downer, Jones, Marino & Wilhite.
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