Housing Authority Lawsuit

Attorney's for the Macon Housing Authority are filing a petition with the Georgia Supreme Court to settle a dispute with the city's former mayor. The outcome could affect communities across the state.

At issue is whether the mayor has absolute power to control who sits on the board of the housing authority. The board controls more than 35-million dollars in federal money and close to 150-million dollars in real estate.

The lawsuit erupted after former Mayor Jack Ellis tried to seat new board members without approval from city council. The Macon City Council has been approving appointments for nearly 70 years. But the State Court of Appeals has ruled that is not necessary.

Housing Authority attorney Steve Dillard says the lawsuit has statewide implications.

"It opens the door to mayors being able to use housing authority boards for their political purposes. And that's a shame because in the past these have not been political entities. It would be tragic if the Court of Appeals decision were allowed to stand."

The lawsuit has cost the housing authority close to a quarter-million dollars.