Cabot Public Hearing April 13, 2021 A large group of concerned citizens comprised of Evangeline Parish School Board members, Cabot workers, Evangeline Chamber Members and local residents attended a public hearing Tuesday night at Ville Platte High School Auditorium. The meeting was called by the Evangeline Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsored by the Evangeline Parish School Board. Board President Wayne Dardeau welcomed those in attendance and the rest of the meeting was conducted by Dr. Gwen Fontenot, President of the Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was called to give citizens to ask questions over a request by Cabot Corporation requesting permission from the Evangeline Parish School Board, Sheriff Charles Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Police Jury to receive an Industrial Tax Exemption. Rebecca Shirley with One Acadiana gave an overview on the Industrial Tax exemption that has been in existence since the 1940's. In 2016 Governor Edwards approved an executive order that the exemptions must be approved by local government agencies that will be impacted. Derrick Turner, local Cabot Facilities Manager explained the plant will undergo a proposed 147 million capital construction project which in part will reduce carbon emissions and also generate electricity to the plant. Turner stressed to the group that the project is not an expansion. The work will provide much cleaner air to local citizens and create 15 new jobs and protect the current 90 job holders. Of the 90 employees some 62 residents in the parish. There will be some 250-300 contractor workers each day during the construction period. It was also mentioned how Cabot has given to local school groups and non- profit agencies through the years. Mamou School Board Member Mike Fontenot said "we have a school gym in bad shape with no air conditioning. We need to pass a tax and yet you want us to give a tax break." Evangeline Parish Assessor Chris Guillory said "This is not an easy decision for you. I commend you for your concern by showing up tonight. I know our parish will make the right decision and move forward. Café Evangeline Owner Jay Giehlow warned school board members and the public to be mindful of the decision they reach. He said "If this exemption doesn't pass, we could lose this company, then we have nothing. We could lose the third highest taxed industry in the parish by making the wrong decision over the exemption." Several Cabot employees spoke up during the meeting including Cody Ortego and Jackie Ortego who asked the school board to approve the industrial tax exemption. The school board will make a decision on the matter at their meeting on Wednesday April 21. The Police Jury will decide Wednesday at 5;30pm at the courthouse. The sheriff is expected to a decision later this month.