For the first time in 48 years, city officials are considering the possibility of an increase in the current one cent city sales tax.
In a public hearing at the May 14 city council meeting, Dist. D councilman Neil “Sam” Melancon introduced the possibility of a penny increase. He presented a list of specific needs he would like the funds to address.
The increase would be expected to produce just over $3.18 million annually. Melancon suggested the following earmarks, as portions of the whole amount:
•New infrastructure and equipment - 63%.
•District block maintenance fund (council member’s discretion) - 12%.
•Police enforcement and fire protection - 11%.
•Savings fund (interest bearing account) - 11%.
•Historic and Cajun Creole Cultural District Fund - 3%.
Mayor Ricky Calais said the suggestion should be seriously considered. “It’s a good time to begin this discussion,” he said. “We are operating this city on about $300,000 per year after funding the police department. That’s pretty scary. We need to do a better job of keeping up with cities like Youngsville and Carencro when it comes to city services if we are going to keep our young people from moving out.”
Councilman Eddy LeBlanc added, “We really need to move in this direction.”
The penny increase would still leave the city’s sales tax at a lower rate than other area municipalities, Calais said. A public hearing on the matter will be held at the June 11 council meeting.
Bridge Repainting
A long-planned sandblasting and repainting of the Crawfish Bridge is expected to begin around mid-June. Calais said the bridge will have to be closed for the project, but probably for only two to three days.
Servitudes
The council approved a resolution to raise the stakes on homeowners refusing to sign servitude agreements to allow needed sewer extension projects.
Some areas annexed into the city years ago have not yet been provided with sewer hook-ups and remain on outdated septic systems. Plans in the works to extend sewer lines on Berard St./Bayou Lane and north of I-10 have been delayed by about 12 uncooperative homeowners who will not sign agreements allowing the lines to cross their properties.
The resolution declares the extensions a public necessity and authorizes the city to pursue legal means of securing the servitudes when voluntary cooperation cannot be negotiated.
Other Business
•The council passed a resolution to proceed with an application to the Acadiana Metropolitan Planing Organization (MPO) to fund an extension of Mills Avenue from Rees Street, east to Doyle Melancon Road. Calais said the project is three to five years in the future at the soonest, but an application should be made now to place the issue on the MPO’s calendar.
•An ordinance was introduced that will require outside utility contractors to obtain permits before boring holes or taking other actions that could interfere with current or planned city utility infrastructure.
