Police Jury approves repairs for buildings

Even though the issue with St. Matthew Cemetery may have dominated Monday night’s Evangeline Parish Police Jury meeting, it wasn’t the only business that the Jury addressed.
During his Secretary/Treasurer’s Report, Donald Bergeron informed the Jury of some damaged properties that were in need of repair.
“We had wind damage to the health unit-library in Mamou recently,” Bergeron said. “I have contacted three contractors, two of them have looked at the damage. One has told me that it would be four to five months before he could get to it, while the other one said he could start in the next few weeks.”
The Jury agreed to go with the contractor that could start sooner than later at a bid of $13,500.
Bergeron also informed the Jury that the Special Services Building in Ville Platte is need of roofing repairs, due to ongoing leak issues.
Bergeron said he had a contractor look at the damage and the contractor informed him that the roof could not be salvaged and that it needed be replaced. The cost to replace the roof is $16,100 and is not covered by insurance.
The Jury voted to go ahead and repair the building.
Public Works Director Chester Granger discussed budget issues with the Jury during his report.
“The amount of money we are receiving is down from the sheriff’s office,” Granger said. “Because of that some of you will see reductions on your balance for road fund money.”
Granger though did inform the Jury that his office is constantly making the proper adjustments and that no future projects are in danger of not being completed due to the lack of money being received from EPSO.
The Jury also approved a slew of new rate changes at Crooked Creek Recreation Area.
To rent a camping spot at the park will now cost campers $27.50 per day and $30.50 on holidays, the monthly rate will now be $490.
Senior citizens receive a discounted rate of $20 per night, and $23 on holidays, and military veterans will receive a discounted rate of $20 per night.
Tent camping will now cost $22 per night, cabins are $75 per night ($85 on holidays). To rent the front part of the pavilion will cost $50, the whole pavilion will be $100 with a $150 deposit.
All rates are before taxes have been applied.
Crooked Creek will now also allow people to buy an annual fishing pass for 70 dollars, an annual golf cart pass for $100 and to launch a boat or jet ski will cost $5.
Bergeron also informed the Jury that they will begin re-collecting two percent sales tax from Union Tank Car next month and that company was on board with paying the taxes.
In other items the Jury unanimously approved Monday were:
• Adding Section 8 Director Anna Frank as a signer on checks for all qualified and approved HUD related expenses. Two signatures required.
• Utilizing Section 8 funds to resume paying Section 8 Director Anna Frank’s salary.