By JIM BUTLER

Judge Monique Rauls ruled Monday that Executive Director Angela Varnado owes GAEDA more than $50,000 improperly paid her and she and her employers owe a former GAEDA commissioner legal and other litigation expenses.

John Callis claimed the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority overpaid Varnado as a result of a contract reached in a meeting later ruled illegal. 

Back in November he advised GAEDA he would go to court if it ignored his requests after the Louisiana Supreme Court upheld in October 2025 Rauls’ July 2024 ruling that the February 2024 meeting was illegal and all action taken voided.

In February 2025 the authority inked a new agreement with Varnado.

Responding to the Callis pleading heard Monday the defendants suggested Rauls should consider an award of sanctions against Callis.

They cited “vexatious litigation tactics clearly designed to target defendants without support in law.”

Through his counsel Callis noted the LSC ruling was clear — that Varnado’s agreement of 2024 was void and without effect and she was paid improperly as a result until the 2025 signing.

Callis claimed that amounted to about $55,000. He also sought reimbursement of about $33,000 in legal fees and other expenses related to the case.

Specifics of how much is owed GAEDA by Varnado and how much is owed Callis by which party will be set forth when the court’s formal order is issued.