The Ville Platte City Council reviewed the 2018-2019 budget proposal, delivered by CPA, Dana Quebedeaux, at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Before the budget is adopted, the proposal must be available for public inspection for a standard of 10 days. A copy of the budget can be found in the front lobby of City Hall. The budget will be formally adopted on Thursday, June 28^th at noon, following a public hearing at 11:45 am. When evaluating the budget, Quebedeaux asks the public to keep in mind, that the Mayor’s proposal takes anticipated grants into account. As time progresses, the budget will be amended to reflect grants awarded/ not awarded. When giving her opinion on the proposed budget, Quebedeaux stated, “If you’re going to have an accurate budget, this is the budget it’s going to be”.

Mayor Jennifer Vidrine addressed the council with plans to adopt new tools and techniques from the city of Rayne to clean the cities culvert system. This tool, made of steel parts, allows for quicker, more efficient culvert cleaning. The tool will cost around $2,000. Mayor Vidrine states that the city is doing its part in flood prevention by digging the necessary ditches but encourages the public to call on Evangeline Parish Police Jurors to do their part by regularly cleaning city canals.

In other business:

The Council adopted two resolutions, one being a re-adoption of the previous years millage rate resolution, and the other being an overgrown property resolution, approving a $50,000 LCDA loan that is part of the LCDA “overgrown lot program”. This program would help to beautify the city of Ville Platte by tackling its issue of overgrown lots.

The Ville Platte Gazette was approved as the official municipal journal.

Mayor Vidrine announced that the city spent $262,309.63 in May, which is $56,614.90 more than the month of April. Vidrine credits this to payment of necessary bills and expenses.

Chief of Police, Neil Lartigue announced three new hires: part-time jailer, Jaquine Anderson, part-time dispatcher, Cheryl Fontenot, and full-time police patrol, Kyle Marsh. During his monthly report, Lartigue reported 625 calls for assistance, which required 592 reports, 28 citations, 28 arrests, which included 26 felony arrests. Officers also responded to 49 motor vehicle accidents. Lartigue reported one homicide with suspect in custody.

Fire Chief, Chris Harrison reported for the month of May, 2 structure fires, 2 grass fires, 3 alarm activations, 4 service calls, and 1 search and rescue. In Fire District 2, Harrison reported 1 structure fire, 9 grass fires, 1 medical call, 1 vehicle situation, 3 service calls, and 7 search and rescues.

Mayor Vidrine announced that 5 abandoned property demolitions have been completed since the last meeting, and 9 are currently underway.