Mamou Council discusses building a new jail

By: MICHAEL BORDELON

News Editor

MAMOU - The Mamou Town Council heard an update on a feasibility study performed on the construction of a new prison facility in the town during its meeting Wednesday, March 12.

Police Chief Greg Dupuis said a prison facility to house 150 inmates would cost $6,911,000. This prison would house minimum security trustees, but Dupuis stated the types of prisoners is the decision of the council. He said if the council chose not to house violent offenders or sex offenders, then those inmates would not be sent to Mamou. “The town has total control over who comes in and out,” Dupuis said.

Dupuis added the prison facility would net over $500,000 per year, that would be after all expenses are paid. Dupuis stated a prison facility would be a great source of revenue for the town. It would also be located on the edge of town near the rice driers on a piece of land the town already owns.

Elvin Reed, who was in the audience, said the prison sounded like a win-win situation for everyone.

Councilmemebers stated they would discuss how to get funding for this facility before making any decisions in the matter.

In other business, the council:

•Approved a resolution to secure professional services, at a cost of up to $50,000, relative to the leasing of the Savoy Medical Center. These services would include legal counsel.

•Approved moving part-time dispatcher Josh Alman to full-time and promoting patrolman David Charlie to K-9 officer.The council also approved hiring part-time patrolmen Eli Deculus and J.C. Gallow. Deculus would patrol elderly apartments throughout town and Gallow would be sent to provide security for festivals around the parish. Dupuis said he normally provides at least one officer for those events so that he can call on those agencies for help during Mardi Gras.

•Approved the sale of surplus equipment, including a Jeep, Impala, Buick, backhoe and Chevrolet truck.

•Reappointed Spencer Long to a two-year term on the Mamou Fire Protection District No. One board.

•Heard from resident Johnny Fuselier, who suggested the council look into purchasing the old Guaranty Bank building for use as a museum.

•Heard a request from Dupuis, who asked that rewards be offered by anyone reporting littering in town. He said there is trash everywhere and he hoped a reward system would encourage everyone to keep their places clean.

•Agreed to hire Performance Signs in Eunice to repair and repaint the town entrance signs at a cost of $1,200.