Two amendments to existing village ordinances were proposed at Thursday’s meeting of the Turkey Creek Council.
Of the amendments, one deals with amending the fine for tampering with water meters. Mayor Phillip Cavins proposed raising the current $25.00 fine to a minimum of $400.00.
Village Attorney Greg Vidrine explained “there is a crime for tampering with the water meter and theft of utilities. That statute sets a minimum fine of $100.00 and a maximum of $500.00.”
He added, “You can have them prosecuted for committing that crime, and, at the same time, the village can have a civil action against that person for the loss or damage of that meter and whatever costs it is to replace it.”
The other proposed amendment, according to Mayor Cavins, is to amend the current fiscal year budget.
Also introduced at the meeting was next year’s fiscal budget which will include work at Li’l Dega Speedway, which is owned by the village. The budget will also include possible utility rate increases.
As the mayor explained, “I spoke to the auditor, and she advised me we need to go up on utility rates which is why we will go under a rate study. Her concern is the water and sewer departments are not bringing in enough money.”
The council voted to introduce all proposed ordinances and set a series of public hearings beginning 15 minutes before next month’s council meeting on June 18.
Earlier in the meeting, Police Chief Ben Bordelon reported to the council what he would like to happen following a recent incident at the ballpark.
“Anytime we have an event, especially if alcohol is being served, at the community center or the ballpark, I want to see that event to pay for security,” he said. “It shouldn’t be the village’s responsibility to pay for an officer for somebody else’s function.”
The council voiced its agreement to the proposal, and Mayor Cavins will make a formal proposal at next month’s meeting.
Chief Bordelon also reported his department received an $800.00 grant from 911 to purchase a new radio and is in talks with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff Department to obtain a used police unit.
Mayor Cavins then reported he signed a contract with a collection agency because “we have right at $100,000.00 of uncollected fines.” He added, “They’re estimating to recover 75 percent of that within the first six months. That should give us the financial backing to have patrol 24/7 especially if we get that extra unit from the sheriff department.”
In other business, the council:
• discussed damage to the fence behind the office.
• discussed the hiring of a full-time officer.
• approved purchase of an ice machine.
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TONY MARKS Associate Editor