In Monday’s Evangeline Parish Police Jury meeting, the discussion turned to failed attempts to collect outstanding sewage bills from many residents and/or businesses in the Parish.  We’re not talking about a few late bills, we are talking about a vast number of extremely delinquent, unpaid bills that total to date $109,570.00 owed to the Parish.  In an effort to collect from those who owe, the Police Jury is now moving in a direction where they may be using the court system to sue those who owe and force them appear in Small Claims Court; and/or the making the decision to pull the sewage permit from the residence which could affect a tenant’s electrical service as well.  As discussions were had, the question was asked why so many get away with not paying.  It’s almost like they are trying to make a point because others don’t pay.  Secretary/Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, replied saying “He personally knows some that are doing it to make a statement.”  In response, Police Juror, Bryan Vidrine, stated “Well, maybe we need to make a statement.”

 

To put it in perspective, there are water systems in the parish that service 39 residents to which 24 of them do not pay their sewage bill.  Bergeron has told KVPI News that the Redell/Vidrine Water District has been working with the Jury to shut off water to those who don’t pay; however, they have yet to be successful with other water systems to aid them in collecting.  Police Juror, Lamar Johnson said “We need to do something right away!”  That way may be in Court or without sewage permit which could lead to loss of electrical service as well.  We’ll keep you up to date on the collection efforts