Pine Prairie adds three new cops; set to patrol new area

By: TONY MARKS
Associate Editor

Law enforcement personnel and the Legislative Audit were the main topics of discussion at the montly meeting of the Pine Prairie Village Council Thursday night.
The council approved the emergency hiring of Joshua Uhlman as a full-time police officer as well as hiring Bryan Wiles as a full-time officer. Kevin Tate was also approved to be brought on as a full-time traffic supervisor.
“I can’t remember the last time we had five officers on duty,” commented Mayor Quint West. “We’re gonna have two on duty on most of the days, and I think we’re gonna try to get more of a police presence on Morgan Road.”
“We’re having some problems back there,” the mayor continued. “They’re wanting speed bumps and all this, and I told them that will be the next step. I’m hoping if we can ticket a few of them, we can stop them.”
The council also heard from Shirley Vige with Vige, Tujague, and Noel who went over the 2016 annual audit. “Everything came out pretty good with no problems,” he said.
Vige guided the council through the audit and ended his presentation by explaining the total net assets was in the positive position. “So when the legislative auditor looks at your statement, they’re looking at the bottom line to make sure you have a positive number,” he said. “You’re lucky because a lot of places with those big pension plans, especially if they have a lot of police and firemen, they’re coming up with a negative.”
“You’re in pretty good shape,” Vige confirmed when asked by Mayor West.
In other business the council:
•adopted The Gazette as the Official Municipal Journal
•approved the 2017 property tax millages
•approved the renewal of the Intergovernmental Agreement between 911 and the Village of Pine Prairie.