December 3 committee meetings and December 10 regular meeting recap

PORT ALLEN — The Port Allen City Council certified election results, introduced salary increases for elected officials, and approved several community projects during its December meetings. Here's what happened:

Police Department Tax Renewal Certified

The council formally certified the results of the November 15, 2025 special election renewing the Port Allen Police Department's property tax. The measure passed with 733 votes in favor and 197 against — a margin of 536 votes.

The renewal authorizes the city to continue collecting 5.020 mills on all taxable property within city limits for 10 years, beginning in 2026. Certified copies of the results will be forwarded to the Louisiana Secretary of State and the West Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court.

Police Department Report

Chief Donovan V. Mitchell reported 169 calls for service in November, including 16 alarm calls, 13 disturbances, six thefts, and five hit-and-runs. The department assisted the fire department 10 times.

The department made eight arrests during the month, including charges for second-degree battery, aggravated assault with a firearm, simple assault, simple arson, criminal damage to property, unauthorized entry, home invasion, criminal trespassing, theft, illegal use of weapons, possession of firearm on premises of an alcoholic beverage outlet, and open container violations.

Officers responded to 20 traffic crashes during the month.

Elected Official Salary Increases Introduced

The council introduced an ordinance to increase salaries for the mayor, chief of police, municipal clerk, city judge, and city constable. The positions have not received raises in years, even as other city employees received periodic cost-of-living adjustments.

The mayor's current salary is $84,000, according to materials presented at the December 3 committee meeting. Finance staff presented options for 6, 8, or 10 percent increases across positions.

City Attorney Evan Alvarez explained that because salaries are set by ordinance, any changes require introduction, a public hearing, and final adoption — meaning the earliest the raises could take effect would be after the January council meeting.

Council members discussed whether to apply the same percentage to all positions or vary increases by position. No final percentages were set at the introduction.

A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for the January regular meeting.

Heritage Park Committee Approved

The council approved forming a committee to develop plans for Heritage Park, a proposed renovation of the 14th Street park currently known as Cohn Park.

Rose A. Roche, presenting on behalf of the Community Development Committee, said the Cohn family has given permission to rename the park. The proposed Heritage Park would focus on preserving community history and culture, with a centerpiece "Walk of Honor" featuring star-pavers recognizing past civic, educational, and community leaders.

"We believe that the cultural heritage is an essential part of our community, our identity, and it should be celebrated and passed down to future generations," Roche told the council.

The committee will develop design proposals for council approval. No timeline or budget was presented.

Utility Rate and Fee Changes

The council adopted several utility-related changes effective January 1, 2026.

Sewer Rates: Following a public hearing with no public comment, the council adopted an ordinance amending sewer user fees. The increases are required to meet a 1.15 sustainability factor mandated by the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant program. Customers will see the new rates on their March 1 billing cycle.

Reconnect Fees: Water and gas reconnection fees increase from $10 to $50 each, or $100 for both services combined.

Utility Deposits: New deposit amounts are $100 for residential water, $200 for residential gas, $100 for commercial water, and $275 for commercial gas.

Payment Extensions Discontinued: The city announced it will no longer grant payment extensions beyond established policy. The change follows audit guidance that the city's informal practice of extending payment deadlines must be discontinued to maintain compliance. Failure to make payments within the allotted time may result in service interruption and reconnect fees.

City Hall Access Control System

The council reviewed a proposal from Facility Automation to update the access control system at City Hall. The current software has reached end of life, requiring replacement of the motherboard and related equipment in the electrical room.

The system controls badge access to doors throughout the building. Staff indicated existing badge readers may not need replacement and can be integrated into the new system.

Community Signage Update Approved

The council authorized city staff to seek bids for updating subdivision entrance signs throughout the city. Mayor Terecita Pattan noted that many signs "have a little age on them" and need replacement.

Council Member Garry Hubble requested that lighting improvements be included in the project to illuminate the signs. Staff will return to the council with bid results.

CAO and Finance Positions

The city continues searching for a Chief Administrative Officer following Lance Joseph's resignation in September. Mayor Pattan reported the city has interviewed candidates and may conduct second interviews, but no hiring decision has been made.

The city is also considering candidates for an assistant finance position, including one internal candidate. Decisions may be delayed until January.

Condemnation Proceedings

Code enforcement continues working through properties identified for potential condemnation. Staff reported locating relatives for some properties with unclear ownership, a common challenge with heir properties that have passed through generations without proper succession documentation.

Updates on specific properties are expected at the January meeting.

Other Business

The council also:

• Approved minutes from the October 8 regular meeting
• Received a monthly financial report
• Approved alcohol beverage permits for 10 establishments (see related story)
• Received a draft audit presentation showing improved city finances (see related story)

Upcoming: January 7 Committee Meetings

The next Port Allen City Council committee meetings are scheduled for January 7, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 375 Court Street, third floor. Key items on the agenda include:

Personnel:

• Promotion of Officer Rushing Juneau to Corporal ($51,045.05)
• Promotion of Harrissa Antoine from Utility Clerk to Assistant Director of Finance
• Discussion of advertising for a full-time Utility Clerk position

Public Works:

• Road rehab project and sewer grant update from Tony Arikol
• Resolutions supporting Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) and Community Water Enrichment Fund grant applications

Community Development:

• Update on community development activities from Rose A. Roche

The regular council meeting follows on the second Wednesday of the month.

Related Coverage:

• Port Allen receives clean audit after year of material weaknesses
• Council Approves French Quarter Bar License Amid Safety Concerns

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