Walker outlines recommendations for handling GOHSEP issue

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Walker sent a letter to his fellow Metro Council members this afternoon outlining his recommendations for how the ongoing controversy surrounding homeland security grants should be handled. “I would like to suggest the city-parish take a logical, systematic approach to resolving this matter,” reads Walker’s letter. “It is understood the council cannot direct certain departments to do specific tasks. However, hopefully the suggestions listed will be seriously considered and implemented.” Among his recommendations, Walker says the city-parish should request an extension for 2009 grant filings, get an independent auditor to audit grants in question from 2008 through 2010 and provide reports on the ongoing status of said grants. Mayor Kip Holden and Sheriff Sid Gautreaux have been at odds for months over who has authority over grant spending from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. GOHSEP stepped in Tuesday and took control of two grants totaling $1.1 million that have been delayed for more than a year due to the dispute. Holden released a statement defending his office’s handling of the grants, saying “no money has been misused, mismanaged or misallocated” and emphasizing the city-parish has not lost any grant funding. Metro Council members have reportedly been meeting with GOHSEP officials this week to learn how the agency’s actions impact previous and future grants.