PPVC opposes two state proposals

Submitted by admin on Tue, 04/15/2008 - 16:37

By: HEATHER BOGARD

Lifestyles Editor

PINE PRAIRIE - Mayor Terry Savant, during the April 10, regular meeting of the Pine Prairie Village Council, asked council members to adopt two resolutions opposing house bills 442, 453 and 1050. Under proposed bills 442 and 453, local sales and use taxes would be collected, administered and enforced by the department of revenue. Under house bill 1050, the amount of money generated by any municipality through the issuance of traffic tickets would be limited to 20 percent, and the remaining funds would be remitted to the state’s general fund. Savant spoke to Evangeline Parish representatives about the village’s opposition to these bills, and the representatives will oppose the bills in session. Savant stated the village relies on the revenue generated from sales and use taxes, as well as funds received through traffic violations, and he asked the council to approve both resolutions opposing the house bills. Both resolutions were passed unanimously.

The council also amended the LCS scholarship application to allow students that attend Pine Prairie High School but reside outside of the Pine Prairie corporate limits to be eligible to apply for the scholarship in the event no applications were received by eligible students residing in Pine Prairie.

In his mayor’s report, Savant stated he is researching new software for the new sewer plant, as the current system in use is outdated. He stated the village still has a good balance left from the donations received after several projects have been completed. He also said Beaver Construction was the low bidder for the culvert project and noted the materials have been ordered and should arrive within a couple of weeks. He added he expected the project to cost approximately $65,000.

In other business, the council:

•Approved a permit for a new addition to Panther Store and Lock. A new section will be built for additional storage units.

•Approved the payment of monthly expenditures.

•Approved the minutes of the March 13, regular meeting.

•Heard the financial report from Village Clerk Allison McCollough.