A former Louisiana City Councilman who is again seeking office has filed complaints with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Tim Carter accuses the city of failing to comply with state law and local ordinances governing the use of public dollars.

Carter points to what he calls improprieties in the city’s purchasing and competitive bid processes. He also cites a case of alleged nepotism.

The Missouri Ethics Commission by custom does not discuss whether a request has been filed, citing state law requiring such investigations and any subsequent hearings to be confidential.

Louisiana Mayor Bart Niedner said the city is cooperating fully and is in the process of documenting and auditing information sought by the commission. However, he said he believes Carter’s filing is politically motivated.

Carter is a former first ward councilman who moved to the third ward and will face Brice Chandler in the April 7th election.

Ethics commission inquiries usually last three months. The commission will review any findings, which would be made public when the process has concluded.

If a violation is suspected, the agency’s legal counsel could file an administrative case. Both sides would then be given a chance to state their arguments in closed session.