VP Council votes to refinance bonds

(Editor note: Several Ville Platte City Council members spoke out about the proposed sheriff’s one-cent sales tax and the Cabot tax exemption at the April 13 meeting. An in-depth interview with Councilman Bryant Riggs on these issues will be in the Sunday, April 18 edition of the Ville Platte Gazette.)
The Ville Platte City Council voted to refinance their bonds at the April 13 meeting. After the refinancing, the city, on a 16-year bond will save a minimum of $500 thousand. Maximum savings is $800 thousand. The move delighted councilman Bryant Riggs, who has requested this for a couple of years since he attended a municipalities convention in Monroe. This will save tax-payers money on current debt and will help to finish Phase 4, which consists of changing the water lines on Main Street and LaSalle Street.
Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said 20 streets will be repaired/upgraded thanks to COVID grant money. “It is my prayer for us to repair, resurface, fix as many streets as possible.” In addition to street repairs, the money will be used for the city parks and make repairs to the sewer plant.
In other news, Vidrine said on April 22 the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be administered at the Northside Civic Center beginning at 8:00 a.m. The second dose will be administered May 20. Call 337-262-5311 to make an appointment, but walk-ups and drive-ups are welcome. “The most vulnerable age group is between 18 and 25,” said Vidrine. “We’re having a problem having them get vaccinated.”
On April 8, the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine was administered at the Civic Center. Riggs brought up a recent issue with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with a report of blood clots in some who received the vaccine. Riggs said he took that particular vaccine and experienced no issues, but urged caution with Johnson & Johnson.
Councilman Mike Perron asked when the Civic Center will be available to rent again. Vidrine said they are waiting for COVID numbers to decrease and waiting for capacity instructions from the governor.
Vidrine urged citizens to apply for the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Any renters, even those on Section 8, who had problems paying rent from April 2020 to 2021 can apply. Evangeline Parish received $2.2 million for the program.
Councilwoman Faye Lemoine said the city animal control/pound will now have surveys for pound visitors to fill out with suggestions that would make the facility better. The surveys can be picked up at the animal control office or at the City Hall drive-through.
Sarah Dake, Acadiana Regional Representative for Senator John Kennedy, introduced herself to the council. She said if there are any constituents who have issues with the government, the council can contact her on their behalf. Vidrine offered Senator Kennedy the use of City Hall should he be in the area and need a place for a town hall meeting.
Closing on a solemn note, Riggs and Vidrine recognized city employee and Section 8 Director Fred Freeman who recently passed away.