EPPJ suspends George with pay

By: MICHAEL BORDELON

News Editor

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury, during its regular meeting Monday, April 14, suspended the former Crooked Creek Recreational Park manager, Elroy George, with pay until a state police investigation is complete.

Juror Lamar Johnson said he and several other jurors were notified by Irby Chaddrick, who was appointed to temporarily replace George as manager of Crooked Creek, that there has been no cooperation from employees. Chaddrick added he is having some difficulty working at the park.

“There’s lots of hard feeling and animosity out there right now,” Chaddrick said. He added he believed it would relieve some tension if George was not there.

“I’m not saying it’s Elroy’s fault,” Chaddrick stated. “It’s just employees may still go for help with their old manager.”

George said he did not know he was causing friction at the park.

“Anything I was asked to do, I did,” he said.

The jury agreed to suspend George with pay until the investigation is complete. Juror Ronald Doucet was the only juror to oppose the suspension.

In other business, the jury:

•Agreed to move polling places 3050, 3051 and 3052. Registrar of Voters Lucas Buller said the move would bring the polling places closer to the larger populations in those voting precincts. Precinct 3050 will be moved to the Chauncey Pitre Memorial Barn and precincts 3051 and 3052 will be moved to the building owned by Trish McGee next to Piggly Wiggly in Mamou.

•Approved health insurance with Blue Cross with only a minimal increase in cost to the parish. The parish’s plan will cost approximately $34,000 per month. The jury also agreed to name Lemoine and Associates as its agent. Lemoine and Associates will split the policy with Breaux and Broussard of Lafayette, who initially proposed the plan. Juror Ronald Doucet said this was a good idea because the parish will have a local agent it can contact if needed.

•Approved increasing mileage rates from 48.5 cents per mile to 50 cents per mile. Jury President Bob Manuel said the parish follows the rate set by the state.

•Approved a new computer-based reservation system for Crooked Creek Recreational Park. Manuel said the program will keep a better record of reservations and campers.

•Appointed Elaine Deshotel to the Library Board to fill the remaining unexpired term of Calvin Perrodin, who resigned January 1.

•Appointed Jeremy Gourdon to the Ward Four Water District to fill the unexpired term of Farron Gourdon.

•Approved resolution in opposition of a state proposal to eliminate local tax collection offices. Manuel said the state would not provide the service a local office provides.

•Approved the attendance of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Mindy LaLonde to the GFOA Conference in Marksville May 7-9.