Judge Richard Stewart has ordered the City of Jennings to pay Hankins Construction $2 million for failing to make legal filings on time.
In 2023 Hankins Construction filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the city of Jennings, after Mayor Gary Johnson unilaterally halted construction of the new Community Center, a year after breaking ground. Mayor Johnson later ignored a vote by the City Council to resume construction.
Councilwoman Nadia Quinn, who is also suing the city for sunshine request violations, says ignoring lawsuits has become a common occurrence in Jennings.
"The City Clerk's office and the Mayor and the City Attorney believe that they are above the law or that [the lawsuits] are going to go away if they don't respond."
While many cities have insurance to cover damages from lawsuits, Quinn says Jennings failed to notify their insurance company of the suit in time. Quinn says this means the city is on the hook for the full $2 million. The possibility of bankruptcy wasn't ruled out by Quinn.
"I don't know if we have the money to pay it. Honestly." Quinn said, adding "I would imagine that the accounts are probably going to be frozen at some point... I don't know what that looks like"
A spokesperson for Mayor Johnson said the city is not on the verge of bankruptcy and is insured for the lawsuit. However, when asked specifically if the insurance company will be covering the $2 million Jennings owes, she did not answer, instead said saying they will appeal and are investigating their options.
Quinn says the problem begins and ends with Mayor Johnson.
"I would like to see an impeachment and that is, I believe, the only chance we have to rectify things. I don't have any faith in this mayor to come to the table to try to rectify this."
However Quinn acknowledges they currently do not have the votes. Mayor Johnson's spokesperson called Quinn a political rival and adds she does not have a majority on the council.