December 29, 2014

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury opened up a public hearing tonight at 5:15 to allow anyone who would like to speak regarding the proposed amendments to the 2014 Budget and the proposed 2015 Budget.  No one chose to speak during public comments.

President, Ryan Ardoin, then opened the Special Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.  The police jury approved the 2014 Amended Budgets and discussion began on the proposed 2015 Budget.  Police Juror, Bryan Vidrine, made a few adjustments in the budget by increasing funding to the Chip and Seal projects in Wards 4 and 5, as well as including funding for a “dog pound” which would cost approximately $700,000.00 to build.  The Jury then approved the 2015 Budget, along with the Acadiana Crime Lab Budget.  They also adopted the Capital Outlay Plan for 2015-2017, and they adopted the “Monitoring Plan Resolution”.

One of the items on the agenda was the discuss appointing an “Agent of Record” for Workers Compensation Insurance.  Phil Lemoine and Allan Farr both spoke before the Jury and told of their experience and offered ways to save the Jury money on their insurance.  There was much discussion between the Jury members as to whether an Agent of Record was needed and how it would benefit them compared to how things are now.  Juror, Bryan Vidrine said he did not think it was a service needed right now and that “Our staff does the work and I don’t see what anyone else is going to do different.”  Lamar Johnson suggested waiting 6-8 weeks to see other proposals.  Ultimately, Vice President, Ryan Williams made a motion to appoint Phil Lemoine as the Agent of record for the term of one year to start and a cap on commission of $2,500.00.  Juror, Rocky Rider, seconded the motion and the majority of the Police Jury passed the motion.

The Jury also awarded low bids to the following contractors in their respective category: J&J Exterminating, Guillory Oil Co., Inc., Jody Cloud, Louisiana CAT, Asphalt Products, and Coastal Culvert out of Eunice.  The low bid for Limestone will be announced January 12th.