Public hearings were set for December 12, at 5 p.m. before the next meeting of the Pine Prairie Village Council pertaining to an ordinance amending the 2019 budget and an ordinance proposing the 2020 budget.
Both ordinances were introduced during the council meeting last Thursday on November 14.
Earlier in the meeting, the council, along with Mayor Quint West and Police Chief L.C. Deshotel, addressed complaints from Tammy Rizzuto about the welfare of dogs within the village limits.
“There is a state law about the dogs,” said Mayor West.
The mayor explained the law pertains to anyone who “unjustifiably fails to provide proper food, drink, shelter, and veterinarian care.”
He continued, “I don’t think the problem is as big as it’s being made out to be. There’s one home that has a couple of dogs without houses. I went to the lady’s home and talked to her. She’s trying.”
Chief Deshotel offered to give the lady “two big barrels for her to make dog houses.”
Mayor West went on to say, “We have to be careful about going on people’s property and accusing them of not feeding their dogs.”
“I don’t think it’s going to get to the point where we have to start going arresting and ticketing people,” he continued. “We’re just going to help them out when they need help.”
Chief Deshotel again offered barrels to any village resident who needs a dog house.
In other business, Mayor West announced the Christmas Parade is set for Sunday, December 15, at 2 p.m. He is also planning a Christmas Tree lighting at the village’s gazebo with hot chocolate to be served. The lighting is set to take place around Wednesday, December 4.
Also, in other business, Chief Deshotel thanked the council for the new police units. “I really appreciate it,” he said. “I’m proud of the police department for the vehicles.”
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Tony Marks
Editor