Thursday, August 14, 2025 - 5:30 PM Government Building, 880 N. Alexander Ave, Port Allen

Major Financial Decisions

$9.16 Million Sewer System Bond Public Hearing

• What: Public hearing on massive revenue bond financing for sewer improvements
• Why it matters: Largest infrastructure borrowing in years for critical sewer system upgrades
• Your voice: Final chance for public input before council votes
• Impact: Bond repayment will affect parish finances for years to come

Fire Department Budget Changes

• What: Amendments to 2025 fire department budget
• Details: Adjusting expenses for fiscal year ending December 31, 2025
• Why now: Mid-year budget corrections often signal equipment purchases or staffing changes

Infrastructure Projects

Arena Well Project Change Order #2

• What: Second change order for Arena Well #2 project
• Red flag: Multiple change orders can indicate project scope issues
• Cost impact: Unknown until meeting details released

Government Accountability

2024 Audit Reports

Three major audits being presented:

• Parish Council operations audit
• Parish Fire District financial audit
• Parish Utilities Department audit

Why audits matter: Independent review of how taxpayer dollars were spent in 2024

Development & Zoning

Major Development Code Overhaul

• What: Comprehensive amendments to Chapter 104 Zoning and Chapter 101 Development Code
• Impact: Changes how future development gets approved parish-wide
• Areas affected: Zoning ordinances, district regulations, site planning requirements

Planning Commission Appointment

• Who: Ray Rivet reappointment to Planning & Zoning Commission
• Term: Through July 2033 (10-year appointment)
• Role: Reviews and recommends on all development projects

What's at Stake

For Your Wallet:

• Sewer bond could increase utility bills
• Audit findings may reveal spending issues
• Development code changes affect property values

For Your Community:

• Infrastructure investments shape parish growth
• Zoning changes determine neighborhood character
• Budget amendments show spending priorities

For Accountability:

• Audit reports reveal financial management
• Public hearing provides transparency on major debt
• Multiple change orders raise project oversight questions

Your Opportunity to Be Heard

Public Comments: Every council meeting includes citizen input time Sewer Bond Hearing: Specifically designed for public feedback on $9+ million borrowing Questions to Consider:

• How will sewer improvements be prioritized?
• What guarantees exist that utility rate increases won't exceed projections?
• Why are multiple change orders needed on parish projects?

Meeting Details

When: Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM Where: WBR Government Building, 880 N. Alexander Ave, Port Allen Public Access: Open meeting, public comments welcomed Online: Meeting videos and minutes posted at wbrparish.org

Contact: Parish Council at (225) 214-4242 for questions about agenda items

This represents one of the most financially significant council meetings of the year. The sewer bond alone exceeds most annual departmental budgets.

Story at WBRIndependent.com