Council also grants variance for Jefferson Street carport; new utility hire introduced

PORT ALLEN — The Port Allen Mayor and City Council met in special session Wednesday, March 25, acting on three agenda items before adjourning with a round of announcements.

The meeting was held at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at 375 Court Street. All five council members were present: Adrain Joseph, Charlene Gordon, Garry Hubble, April L. King, and Gregory Payne. No members of the public signed in to speak.

Sewer Fund Budget Amendment

The council unanimously approved Amendment No. 1 to Proposed Ordinance No. 3 of 2026, amending the city's sewer fund budget to cover the full cost of replacing blowers at the wastewater treatment plant.

The project carries a total price tag of $379,500. When the budget was originally adopted last June, only $200,000 had been appropriated for the blower replacement. The additional $179,500 will be reallocated from within existing sewer fund accounts — not drawn from outside sources.

Under the amendment, the wastewater treatment plant improvements line increases from $212,000 to $391,500. To offset that increase, the sewer system operations line drops from $400,000 to $245,500, and the machinery and equipment line is reduced from $50,000 to $25,000.

The ordinance was originally introduced at the January 14, 2026, regular council meeting.

Late Fees Suspended Following January Freeze

The council voted unanimously to suspend the 5% late fee assessment on utility bills due March 26, 2026, citing the financial strain many residents experienced following the January cold snap.

Mayor Terecita Pattan explained that the freeze produced unusually high gas bills and water leaks for some customers, with bills reaching $800 to $900. A 5% penalty on bills of that size adds a meaningful additional burden.

"We're just asking for this — hopefully one time — that we can suspend the penalties," Pattan said.

The council adopted Resolution No. 3 of 2026, suspending Section 22-5 of the Port Allen Code of Ordinances for the March 26 billing cycle only. The resolution expires automatically after that billing cycle unless further action is taken by the council.

Carport Variance Granted for Jefferson Street Resident

The council approved a permit request from James Didier, who sought permission to construct a freestanding carport at his property at 208 S. Jefferson — one foot from the property line, placing the structure inside the required eight-foot side setback.

Under normal circumstances, a variance request of this type would go before the Board of Adjustments. Because the city does not currently have a functioning Board of Adjustments, the matter came to the council directly.

Didier obtained signatures from neighboring property owners and a letter from the neighbor across the street indicating no objection. Councilman Hubble noted that the structure would remain fully on Didier's property. The council approved the variance unanimously. Mayor Pattan signed the permit initiation form to forward it to WBR Parish. The project still requires a building permit from the parish before construction can begin.

Announcements

Mayor Terecita Pattan introduced Precious Wilson, a Port Allen native hired to work in the city's utility office. Wilson, who previously worked in the service center at Walmart, began her position Thursday, March 26.

The city's annual cleanup day is set for April 18, with volunteers needed for waterway cleanup along the levee and beautification work around City Hall. The event is part of the statewide "Love the Boot" week, coordinated through the lieutenant governor's office.

The mayor also announced the city's first Mayor's Leadership Camp, planned for the last two weeks of June at William & Lee. Approximately 32 students, recommended by the middle school, are expected to participate. Volunteers are being sought to assist with the program.

Up Next

The Port Allen City Council holds its monthly committee meetings Wednesday, April 1, at 5:30 p.m. at the council chambers, 375 Court Street, third floor.

On the agenda: a police department report and nuisance violation update in the Public Safety Committee; discussion of bids received for the LCDBG sewer project in Public Works; a community development activities update; and in the Finance Committee, a discussion of a proposed contract with the Lexipol system for the police department.

Coverage of the April 1 committee meetings will be published at WBRIndependent.com.

WBR Independent covers West Baton Rouge Parish government, public safety, and community affairs. Story tips and public records requests can be directed to wbrindependent@gmail.com.