Donaldsonville Hospital Board Settles Lawsuit with Architect

The West Ascension Parish Hospital Service District Board in Donaldsonville has reached a settlement with local architect Henry Chauvin after nearly two years of litigation regarding alleged nonpayment for services rendered. In a special meeting held on October 17, 2023, the board unanimously approved the settlement, although the specific amount remains undisclosed. Chairperson Bill Dawson expressed relief at the resolution, stating, “I think we’re all relieved that it’s over.”

The lawsuit, which was initiated by Chauvin in February 2024, claimed the board failed to compensate him for over $790,000 worth of architectural work. Kenneth Dupaty, the assistant district attorney representing the hospital, indicated that the settlement amount would be documented in court filings but did not disclose it during the meeting.

Chauvin, who has a notable history of architectural contributions, including projects like the Ascension Catholic Church and the Superdome, alleged that he completed services for the hospital under a contract dating back to 2018. He submitted an invoice on November 1, 2023, but claimed the hospital failed to pay within the agreed forty-five days, leading to the lawsuit. The complaint specified that his services, valued at $790,484, were not compensated as stipulated in the contract, with additional legal interest accruing at approximately $189 per day.

The situation escalated shortly after Chauvin submitted the bill, as the Ascension Parish Council replaced the entire board in late 2023. The council cited concerns over financial mismanagement as part of their decision. In September 2023, Judge Steven Tureau of the 23rd Judicial District Court denied a request from the hospital to rule that it had not breached the contract.

At the recent board meeting, former Hospital Board Vice-Chairperson Glenn Price publicly opposed the settlement, claiming that the hospital did not owe Chauvin any money. He stated, “I’m asking the board to not agree to pay Henry Chauvin and Spencer Chauvin not one more dollar.” Price, who was removed from the board in August 2023 following his arrest on multiple felony charges, maintains his innocence, referring to the charges as “bogus.”

The resolution of this case marks a significant moment for the hospital, which has been under scrutiny and is currently planning to construct a new facility to better serve the community. Founded in 1966, the hospital plays a vital role in providing accessible healthcare to the rural areas of Ascension Parish, and the board’s recent decisions may shape its future operations and community trust.