Ville Platte City Attorney Eric Lafleur Tuesday addressed the Mayor and the City council for the need to address budget issues now before the end of the fiscal year. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine reported at the meeting that revenues remain flat while expenses are increasing. Lafleur said the city will prepare utility rate increases to go into effect by April for gas, water and sewer customers. He explained that the bond holders who hold municipal bonds will require the city take necessary action to have additional funds in reserve. The city attorney said the city will also have to look at making "serious cuts". The mayor said each department head have been instructed to review their budgets and look at making necessary reductions. In other business, the city council referred to their legal advisor a proposal by Natalie Maple, an attorney representing AT&T, asking the city's approval to erect a third cell phone tower in the city. This 255 foot tall tower would be built in a grassy area behind Stage near Walmart in Ville Platte. She said the additional tower would increase coverage and cell phone capacity. Also, the city approved a request from Todd Morein at Universal Communications to introduce a new internet service to city residents. Mayor Jennifer said the provider should begin taking subscribers within the next 2-3 months. In other action, the city council: Received news that expenses increased in January by some $18,914 because insurance premiums were due; Approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with Prairie Cajun to assist the group in conjunction with the Folk Roots festival at Chicot State Park; Received a report from Evangeline Chamber of Commerce Director Renee Brown that the chamber has prepared a new business checklist to help potential new businesses know what needs to be done when opening a new business; Approved a liquor permit for the Swam Pop Museum on March 4 for the annual Swamp Pop Dance;