New Orleans City Council Special Meeting: Appointing Interim Clerk of Court and Ordering Special Election - May 11, 2026

The New Orleans City Council held a special meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 12:06 PM in City Hall Council Chamber to address the vacancy in the office of Orleans Clerk of Court. The meeting focused on two related resolutions: one to appoint an interim clerk and another to order a special election to fill the vacancy. All seven council members were present, constituting a quorum. The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes, adjourning at 12:56 PM.

Discussion Items

• Resolution R-26-194 (Appointment): Introduced by Councilmember Morrell, this resolution proposed appointing a person to assume the duties of the vacant Orleans Clerk of Court office pursuant to La. R.S. § 18:602 and Act 15 of the 2026 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. The council first adopted an amendment (7-0) to the resolution, then voted to add the item to the agenda (7-0), and ultimately adopted the resolution as amended by a 5-2 vote. Councilmembers Green and Harris voted against the adoption.
• Resolution R-26-195 (Special Election): Introduced by Councilmember Willard, this resolution ordered a special election to fill the vacant Orleans Clerk of Court office, setting primary and general election dates and providing qualifying dates, also under La. R.S. § 18:602 and Act 15. The council voted to adopt the resolution by a 5-2 vote, with Councilmembers Green and Harris opposed.
• Suspension of Rule 47: The council unanimously (7-0) approved a motion to suspend Rule 47 to allow consideration of the resolutions.

Communications and Public Comments

• The agenda listed a communication that included a letter from the District Attorney to the Council (dated May 7, 2026), a letter of support from Mayor Helena Moreno (dated May 8, 2026), and a council letter. No public testimony or e-comment forms were noted in the minutes, though speaker cards were filed.

Key Outcomes

• R-26-194 adopted as amended (5-2, with Green and Harris dissenting): An interim appointment to the Orleans Clerk of Court office is made.
• R-26-195 adopted (5-2, with Green and Harris dissenting): A special election is ordered to fill the vacant office, with primary and general election dates and qualifying dates set.
• The council adjourned at 12:56 PM.