BRUSLY — The Town of Brusly recognized its first-ever queen at a council meeting Monday night, presented a clean financial audit, and advanced plans for a major drainage improvement project funded largely by state grants.

The December 8 regular meeting followed a December 1 committee session where council members reviewed public works updates, drainage project cost estimates, and the ongoing sewer lagoon construction.

Queen Sugar Recognition

Olivia Daigle, a Brusly resident and LSU senior, was honored as the 82nd Louisiana Queen Sugar after being crowned at the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival in New Iberia.

"I want to go on record to say we've never had a queen at a town meeting," Mayor Scot Rhodes said before presenting the recognition.

Daigle, daughter of Councilman Rusty Daigle and his wife Sharae, also earned the title of Miss Congeniality during the pageant. She will represent the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair Association at events across the state, including the Washington D.C. Mardi Gras Ball.

A social work major and member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Daigle served as an LSU Bat Girl during the 2025 National Championship season and has volunteered with Women's Hospital Foundation, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

The sugar cane industry supports more than 19,000 Louisiana jobs and generates over $4 billion in annual economic impact.

Clean Audit, Strong Financials

Margaret Pritchard of Baxley and Associates presented the town's fiscal year 2024-25 audit, which received an unmodified opinion — the highest level available.

"Y'all got the highest level of an opinion," Pritchard told the council. "We found the financial statements were not materially misstated."

The town's net position reached nearly $12 million, an increase of $3.16 million over the previous year. Total assets grew to $15.7 million, driven largely by $3.4 million in construction progress on the ongoing lagoon and pump station projects.

The general fund recorded a net loss of approximately $88,000, attributed to increased expenses in streets, drainage, and police operations, combined with a $152,000 decline in traffic fine revenue.

The audit found no reportable findings beyond the standard notation that the town does not employ a CPA to prepare financial statements — a common finding for municipalities of Brusly's size.

Water Sector Program funds supporting current infrastructure projects must be spent by December 2026.

Drainage Project Eyes State Funding

Engineer Toby Fruge presented cost estimates for the Eileen Street drainage basin improvements identified in earlier studies.

The project breaks into three areas:

• Area 1 (Bordeaux/Orleans Quarters): $115,000 for new pipe connections and cross drains
• Area 2 (Eileen Street Crossing): $59,000
• Area 3 (3,000+ feet of new piping): Approximately $1 million

For the largest component, Thibodeaux recommended pursuing the Louisiana DOTD Statewide Flood Control Program, which offers 90% state funding with a 10% local match.

Thibodeaux, who also serves as an engineer for Bossier Parish, said he has extensive experience with the program.

"We do this every year. We've been getting funded with projects year after year through this money," Thibodeaux said.

Pre-applications are due May 1, with full applications due October 1 for approved projects. The council will meet with parish drainage officials before deciding whether to pursue the funding at their January meeting.

For the smaller projects, the town plans to coordinate with parish public works crews and may time the work with an upcoming road overlay project to minimize costs.

Police Vehicle Donated to Natchitoches Parish Village

The council approved Resolution 10-25, donating a surplus 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe to the Village of Provencal in Natchitoches Parish.

The vehicle was originally donated to Brusly by the Town of Addis and used as a spare unit. Provencal, a village predating Brusly and named for the Provencal Indians, reached out through the Police Chiefs Association seeking equipment assistance.

The donation will include as-is language to protect the town from liability.

November Police Activity

Police Chief Jonathan Lefeaux reported 104 calls for service in November, including 23 agency assists, 14 medical calls, two DWI arrests, and one controlled substance arrest.

Officers issued 164 citations with 194 violations.

The department's Flock camera system helped solve a theft at Rio Cantina, where someone stole a utility cart from behind the restaurant. Traffic cameras captured the suspect's license plate and an image of the cart in a truck bed. The cart was recovered and a warrant issued for the suspect's arrest.

The Flock system also generated five NCIC warrant hits and six protective order hits during the month.

All officers have completed state-required training for the upcoming year.

Lefeaux opened his report with a wry apology for the revenue decline noted in the audit.

"Before we start, let me go ahead and apologize on behalf of the whole Police Department for those abysmal numbers reflected in the audit," Lefeaux said. "We'll do our best to ensure that next year's better."

Other Business

Liquor Licenses: The council approved beer and liquor license renewals for Back Brusly Grocery, Oaks LLC, Cafe Oasis, Family Dollar, JW Food Mart, Lit Pizza, Louisiana Bayou Bistro, Rama's Food Mart, Rio Cantina, and Walk-On's Bistro and Bar.

Holiday Schedule: The 2026 employee holiday schedule was approved. Independence Day falls on a Saturday, so the town will observe the holiday on Friday, July 3.

Arbor Day: The council approved the annual Tree City USA proclamation, continuing the town's Arbor Day participation.

Street markings for the 2025-26 road overlay project on portions of Elaine Street and Live Oak Drive north of Ory Drive are complete.

Lift Station Repairs: The town is awaiting a third quote to replace the electrical panel at the Brusly Oaks lift station, estimated at $6,000-$10,000.

Community Announcements

The council observed a moment of silence for the father of town employee Brandi Davis, who died suddenly over the weekend.

Mayor Rhodes recognized maintenance employee Cindy for her work keeping St. James Park in excellent condition.

"I got so many compliments at the park last night about how well the park looks," Rhodes said. "She does a fantastic job."

The tree lighting ceremony, postponed from Friday due to weather, was held Sunday evening at St. James Park with assistance from the police and fire departments. Councilman Daigle's father served as Santa Claus.

Brusly High School's football team was congratulated on a 10-2 season that ended with a home playoff loss to West Feliciana.

Town Hall will be closed December 24-25 for Christmas.

The Brusly Town Council meets first and second Monday of each month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 2026.