Opinion

Dear Mr. Banks:

Our office received your request for an opinion concerning the ability of a mayor to vote at a meeting of the mayor and board of aldermen in a Lawrason Act municipality. In particular, your letter asks our office to address when the mayor has the authority to cast a vote to break a tie among the board of aldermen.

Your letter indicates that the opinion request was prompted by a vote by the Mayor of the Town of Ferriday at a meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen ("Board") on June 14, 2011. At such meeting, five aldermen were present. At issue was the amendment of an…