BAKER, LA – The Attorney General’s office filed a lawsuit this week against the City of Baker and several council members, citing violations of Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law. But according to city officials, the whole ordeal stems from a simple misunderstanding.
“We’ve always had a window cracked during our meetings,” said one council member, motioning toward a small sliding window in the back of City Hall. “Sometimes two, if it’s stuffy.”
The lawsuit alleges that key decisions were made in private without proper public notice, including budget discussions, zoning approvals, and the annual mayor vs. pothole paintball tournament. But Baker’s legal team insists the council followed protocol—just not the one the state recognizes.
“We Googled it,” said an unnamed aide. “It said something about ‘public access,’ and technically, sound can travel through open glass.”
The city now faces fines and possible legal consequences. Still, council members remain unfazed.
“We’re not hiding anything,” said one. “Anyone with binoculars and decent hearing could’ve attended.”
The Attorney General’s office has since clarified that “open meetings” refers to publicly advertised gatherings, not just literal airflow.
City officials say they’ll now crack the door too, just to be safe.
