Annexation resolution is approved

By: HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor

During the December 18, meeting of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury, a resolution was approved for the annexation of property for Ville Platte. There are a couple of parcels of property the city would like to annex. A potential business would like to locate there and obtain services from the city. There would be no loss of revenue from the one company in the area (First Student) and the adjacent property. The property taxes would still be received from First Student, and the parish would also get property tax from the potential new business. Ville Platte Mayor Ryan Leday Williams said a potential business is interested in locating in Ville Platte and looking at three different sites, including this site.
Also, during the meeting, the 2024 budget was adopted, and Jury President Bryan Vidrine noted, in the event of entering into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with HEAR (Heroes Everywhere Animal Rescue), $1,000 from the health unit budget would be dedicated to assisting the rescue organization with vet bills. The budget would need to be amended to reflect this, as well as the increase to the constable and Justice of the Peace salaries approved by the jury.
The jury entered executive session to discuss the jury covering one percent of Section 8 Executive Director Anna Frank’s salary. Upon re-entering the regular meeting, the jury announced no action had been taken on the issue at this time.
In closing, Vidrine thanked outgoing jurors Eric Soileau, Leila Thrasher and Angelica Williams for their service and dedication. Soileau, who has served on the jury for 18 years, thanked everyone and said, “We have done a lot of good things in this parish and I have no doubt the jury will continue to do good work in the best interest of the parish. I want to say how important it was and how thankful I am to be involved on a state and federal level.” Thrasher said, “Thank you. I have made some great friends. I’m not going anywhere, I’m still gonna be involved. I learned so much. It’s not just about your district, its about the whole parish.” Williams added her thanks, saying, “Thank you for the opportunity. It has been a very good experience.”
In other business, the police jury:
•Approved the continuation of the Ward I Cemetery Tax.
•Approved the canvasing of the Ward I Cemetery Tax and announcing the results once complete.
•Approved speed limit changes on O’Quinn Loop from 45 to 25 miles per hour and Cabot Road from 25 to 15 miles per hour.
•Approved a pay rate of $200 per month for the constable and Justice of the Peace.
•Approved the employee rehire list for the 2024 fiscal year, including a two-year term for secretary-treasurer Chester Granger.
•Approved an increase in salary for operator Greg Manuel.
•Set a public hearing for the February 5, meeting regarding the abandonment of a portion of Cousins Road.
•Approved the 2024 fiscal year holiday schedule.
•Adopted the proposed amended 2023 budgets.
•Approved the new standard operating procedures required for audits.
•Approved the Acadiana Crime Lab 2024 proposed budget.
•Approved the advertisement for a manager at Crooked Creek Recreational Park.
•Approved the LWCC Workers Compensation Insurance Proposal.