Rapides Parish Sues Over Reno Costs

The suit, filed against Barron, Heinberg & Brocato Inc., is seeking reimbursement of more than $600,000 the parish spent on renovations under a contract with the firm, the Town Talk reported.

“We’re going to try to get that money back,” Parish Jury President Joe Bishop told the paper.

BH&B had reportedly promised it could complete the project for $23 million, and voters approved a $23 million bond issue in November 2012 to fund the renovations.

But according to court documents obtained by the Town Talk, the firm informed the jury in August that renovations would cost several million more than the original budget.

Officials terminated the BH&B contract and handed the project over to another developer.

The parish is seeking “all damages proved at trial, and a return of all fees and consideration paid to BH&B for the project; and for interests, costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees; and for all other relief allowed by the law, facts, or equity,” the paper reported.