By JIM BUTLER

There’s as much chance of GAEDA’s board holding its May meeting Tuesday as there is of LSU winning the SEC baseball tournament. Or less.

The Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority has a posted agenda for the session but in addition to grant considerations it’s laced with items central to the dispute between the two factions in the board — three holdover members from upheaval that began in early February and four including two holdovers and two appointed in February.

Among those agenda items — minutes from meetings being challenged legally or on the basis that no quorum was present.

No quorum is the likely scenario Tuesday.

Legality of a February session at which an interim director was named permanent is the subject of a suit filed by new member John Callis.

It is on the June docket of District Judge Monique F. Rauls.

Callis, whose appointment by City Council member Lizzie Felter began the agency’s tumultuous times, has been outspoken about his disdain for how it functions.

Board member Curtis Lewis, Ph.D, has filed complaints with the state ethics board over alleged conflicts of interest by two members as well as asked for attorney general’s opinion on two issues related to the membership turnover.

In the meantime, the four have replaced the board attorney, who is resisting that move, and rescinded the director appointment. She in turn has threatened legal action.

GAEDA, funded by a hotel-motel occupy tax, provides funding to assist in attracting attendance at various events in the city or underwriting some costs.

The premise is the events attract attendees who stay in lodging as well as spend dollars elsewhere, bolstering the city economy.

Out-of-market advertising and marketing expenses are a frequent funding request. Another recurring request is a stipend to assist in food costs at gatherings here.

Its annual audit shows GAEDA spent $484,000 on economic development projects in 2023