Ville Platte City Council Meeting Tuesday, 9 February 2021 At Tuesday's meeting of the Ville Platte City Council, it was announced that the city's efforts to cut back on costs has paid off. Ville Platte saw an overall increase in revenue and decrease in expenditure for the fiscal year ending in June 2020, leaving them with over $1,400,000 in surplus. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine thanked the city staff for their hard work and compliance. Representatives from Cajun Broadband visited the council after buying Universal Communications , the company with whom the city had previously signed a contract. Mayor Vidrine stated that Cajun Broadband will honor that contract as previously written. Chris Disher, managing director, explained that when they saw big business internet companies not taking care of small communities, Cajun Broadband took it upon themselves to bring fast, reliable internet to rural areas. They are a family run business employing local people and are hoping to get broadband access up and running in Ville Platte as soon as possible. He said "There are no contracts or late fees, just reliable internet at a fair price." The city of Ville Platte purchased a backhoe and are waiting for it to be delivered. Also in que for purchase, they also have tractors, a Bobcat, and roller for fixing potholes. District F Councilman Bryant Riggs suggested that a second backhoe be added to the waiting list, stating that the machinery needs to be properly cleaned and maintained to avoid extra cost. He also suggested the purchase of a trackhoe so that the city would no longer need to rent one to tear down houses. Mayor Vidrine argued that the purchase of a trackhoe is a liability and would require special training for city workers. Councilman Riggs finished by saying that if that is the case, then the city should start training now. Texas-based artist Thaddeus Arvie, who was born in Ville Platte and attended Ville Platte High, will be painting murals on the outside of the Martin Luther King Center and all three basketball courts in the city. He was at first unsure of when work would begin, since he first had to fundraise for $8,500, but he will now be able to begin work immediately. Before the meeting adjourned, Councilman Riggs pledged $500, Mayor Vidrine $1,000, and City Attorney Eric Lafleur's office the remaining amount of $7,000. Also, the Ville Platte Fire Department received approval for the purchase of a 2014 Chevy Tahoe at a cost of $17,500.