Public’s thoughts sought on proposed 2025 parish budget of $350.7 million

Published 9:06 pm Friday, November 22, 2024

The proposed Calcasieu Parish Police Jury budget for 2025 is $350.7 million. A public hearing is set for Thursday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. to receive comment or input.

The Budget Committee heard Parish Administrator Bryan Beam’s proposal at an earlier meeting. The Police Jury approved the committee’s report at its 5:30 meeting on Thursday.

“The 2025 $350.7 million budget is a decrease of 1.8 percent of the $356.9 million budget due to a reduction in disaster recovery costs,” reported Committee Chair and Dist. 13 Police Juror Joe Andrepont.

The operating portion of the budget increased by 6.7 percent due to wage adjustments and contract services. Revenues remain steady from sales tax at $30 million, while property taxes are expected to increase slightly due to the parish wide valuations.

Lower bid
than expected

Parish staff received eight bids for the LIB Orleans drainage project in Ward 1, District 1, (Moss Bluff area) and recommended the lowest. It was accepted, but not without discussion.

“We budgeted $ 7.8 million for this project and we’re looking at a low bid of $3.8,” Dist. 11 Police Juror Roger Marcantel asked. “We engineered that out, material, labor and all of that. Somebody missed a mark somewhere, or…”

“We have checked with the company, They are coming off of a project. They are comfortable with their bid which is obviously low. We’ll take the advantage when we get it,” said Public Works Director Allen R. Wainwright.

Judd Bares asked to go on record as saying the bid looked “out of whack,” because it was his intent to act in the best interest of the parish.

Rezone, roundabout and reduced speed

3244 Highway 171  North in Ward One was approved for rezone, with adjustments,  from Agriculture (A-1) to Central Business Commercial (C-3). Advantage Plumbing will be developing the property for an office and storage space.

The LA 384 Graywood Parkway/Ham Reid Road Roundabout Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Police Jury and State of Louisiana resolution adoption was approved.

Davison Road drivers, slow down to 35. From the railroad tracks to the end of the public roadway, the 45 mph blanket speed limit will no longer apply.