Billy Loftin will serve as the new city attorney and prosecutor for the City of Sulphur.

The Sulphur City Council unanimously approved Mayor Mike Danahay’s recommendation to appoint Loftin to the roles at a meeting on Monday.

Loftin will replace Cade Cole, who stepped down from the position to begin his new journey on the Louisiana Supreme Court. Cole, only 42, will be the youngest serving judge. He will represent District 3 – Calcasieu to Caddo Parish.

He called his last act as city attorney (saying goodbye) a “bittersweet” moment.

“Y’all have an excellent team that’s running the show here in Sulphur,” he said. “It’s been a most enjoyable period of time … I consider them [city administration] family.”

He said the city is “going to be in very good hands” with his replacement.

A celebratory swearing-in will be held for Cole in Lake Charles on April 3.

Danahay said that Loftin volunteered to act as both city attorney and city prosecutor, switching roles as needed. The council also approved the appointment of father/son duo Rusty Stutes, Jr. and Rusty Stutes III as the City’s assistant city attorneys/ prosecutors.

This is a move designed to assist Loftin as he adapts to his new positions, Danahay said.

“We have a little extra to help out, to get somebody sitting on the bench ready to come in when they need to.”

Councilmember Melinda Hardy, District 3, called the position handoff a “win-win,” with Cole moving to a prestigious role and the City getting the expertise of Loftin.

Verdine Water Plant

Phase 3 of the Verdine Water Plant improvements project will soon be underway. The council approved a bid $6,418,000 to Lemoine Company, LLC, for the upcoming construction.

Phase 3 will include the construction of a new raw well water iron reduction system. Upgrades will bulk up the City’s water filtration, in addition to general infrastructure improvements.

“By the time it gets flowing out of there, it’s going to be artesian well water when we’re finished,” said Danahay.

Public Works Director Austin Abrahams said the lowest bid came in at about $1 million over budget. The original engineer’s estimate was $5.5 million. He said the cost was higher because of the cost of the glass-lined water tanks and the special skills needed to complete the project. City administration will look at the budget later this week to prioritize capital for the project.