The West Ascension Parish Hospital Service District Board in Donaldsonville has settled a lawsuit with local architect Henry Chauvin after nearly two years of legal proceedings. The board reached this decision during a special meeting held on Tuesday afternoon, where all five members unanimously approved the settlement. While the exact settlement amount remains undisclosed, Chairperson Bill Dawson expressed relief at the resolution, stating, “I think we’re all relieved that it’s over.”
The lawsuit, initiated by Chauvin in early 2024, alleged that the hospital failed to pay him over $790,000 for architectural services rendered. Kenneth Dupaty, the assistant district attorney representing the hospital, confirmed that the settlement figure would be documented in court filings, but he also refrained from disclosing it at this time.
Chauvin’s complaint stated that he had been contracted in 2018 to provide architectural services and had completed work valued at $790,484. He issued an invoice on November 1, 2023, but claimed the hospital did not fulfill its obligation to make payment within the stipulated 45 days, which has since accrued additional legal interest of approximately $189 per day.
Background of the Dispute
The hospital, which was established in 1966, serves the rural community of the west bank of Ascension Parish. In late 2023, a new board was appointed by the parish council, which is now planning to construct a new facility adjacent to the existing one. The lawsuit followed a tumultuous period for the hospital board, including an audit that revealed financial mismanagement, which led to the replacement of the previous board members.
In September, Judge Steven Tureau of the 23rd Judicial District Court denied a request from the hospital to rule that it had not breached its contract with Chauvin, further complicating the board’s legal position.
During Tuesday’s meeting, former Hospital Board Vice-Chairperson Glenn Price publicly opposed the settlement. He urged the board not to pay Chauvin, claiming that the hospital did not owe him any money. Price, who was removed from the board in mid-August following an arrest for alleged obstruction of justice, asserted that he had documentation to support his claims. He faces multiple felony charges but maintains his innocence, describing the accusations as “bogus charges.”
In a statement following the meeting, Chauvin’s son, Spencer Chauvin, expressed gratitude for the resolution, saying, “I’d like to thank the hospital for bringing this to an end and finally acknowledging the work Henry Chauvin did for so many years.”
As the hospital prepares to move forward, the settlement concludes a significant chapter in its recent history, allowing it to focus on its future projects and community health initiatives.
