VP Housing upholds eviction of resident

By: MICHAEL BORDELON

News Editor

The Ville Platte Housing Authority board, during executive session Tuesday, June 3, discussed the recent eviction of Rene West for fighting.

West attempted to appeal her eviction, stating she did not start the altercation. However, Executive Director Emily Woodall said she believed West left her apartment with the purpose of fighting a girl who was causing trouble for her. Woodall said it was her recommendation that West’s eviction stand.

The board passed a motion to support Woodall’s recommendation and agreed to uphold the eviction. Additionally, the board approved issuing a statement in the housing authority newsletter stating “if you fight, you are out.”

The board also learned that although some of its expenses were higher this year, the budget was still “doing ok.”

Board member David Ortego said expenses for water, materials and protective services were much more this year, but the housing authority was doing well with over $10,000 profit balance. Ortego added the $16,000 spent on protective services was well worth it for the safety of the residents.

In other business, the board:

•Accepted $39.04 from former executive director Eldridge Hickerson for outstanding cell phone expenses owed to the housing authority.

•Agreed to start the summer worker program June 15. Each board member will appoint two workers.

•Approved a bid for its 2001 Dodge truck from Randy Soileau. The bid from Soileau was in the amount of $2,100.