The Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in the mayor's favor in a dispute between the New Orleans City Council and the Cantrell administration.
The council sued the administration to overturn a deal between the Cantrell administration and heirs of Edward Wisner to continue to divide money from a land trust that for 100 years allowed the mayor to spend the money it generates without council oversight. The council argues that the original terms of the trust had expired, therefore the council should decide how the money is appropriated.
The Fourth Circuit ruled that the city council did not have legal standing to sue over the mayor's handling of the Wisner Trust.
"This administration has been very intentional in its use of Wisner funds to fill financial gaps and achieve results that will be absolutely transformative throughout our communities," said Gregory Joseph, Mayor Cantrell's Director of Communications. "We remain committed to ensuring that the funding granted is used legally and responsibly, while meeting the criteria of the Wisner Donation and benefiting the public."
Council member Joe Giarrusso told WWL-TV that the council disagrees with the Fourth Circuit's ruling, and is prepared to take the case to the Louisiana Supreme Court.