Zachary councilman stands up to reported threats

ZACHARY, La. (Louisiana First) — The City of Zachary is facing a possible hike on property taxes, and the matter is slated to come up at the council meeting.

But the council appears divided on whether the proposal should even be introduced, with reported threats being made to sway council members to push the increase through.

Council Member John LeBlanc made his opinion known, saying he’ll stand strong against any threats.

“It is inappropriate and unacceptable for anyone to attempt to pressure an elected official to vote on any tax measure through the threat of political retaliation. I was informed that certain political materials, including pictures of a sign at my home and posts on social media from an elected official colleague, would be used in future campaign ads against myself and my colleague – if we did not support rolling the millage forward,” LeBlanc declared.

LeBlanc said that Zachary City Attorney, John Hopewell, wants the residents’ property tax increase, which funds city operations, to pass, and has been attempting to strong-arm others to back his stance.

Council member Ambre DeVirgilio stood with LeBlanc on a “no” vote for the introduction of the ordinance.

“Across Zachary, families are trying to make ends meet amid inflation and increasing costs as well. Families don’t have the option to roll paychecks forward, and government budgets without a clear crisis should do the same,” DeVirgilio mentioned.

“I don’t believe additional tax burdens are necessary at this time to maintain the city’s financial health,” LeBlanc said.

We reached out to Hopewell and city leaders for comment, but so far no response.

The council introduced the ordinance on a 3-2 vote, which means it will be considered for final adoption at this week’s meeting.

LeBlanc has publicly called for Hopewell’s resignation and for Zachary Mayor David McDavid to investigate the matter.

The Zachary City Council is set to meet on Tuesday for its scheduled meeting.

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