Minutes from the July 8, 2025 City of Jeanerette Finance Committee Meeting

[City Clerk]

Minutes from the July 8, 2025 City of Jeanerette Finance Committee Meeting Present- Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. Alderwoman Tia Simmons, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Finance Manager Christie Conner, and Susan Colden City Clerk. Alderwoman Simmons called the meeting to order. There were no public comments. Alderwoman Simmons started by reviewing the May 30, 2025 P & L and comparing actual expenses to budget noting that the year-to-date budget should be 91.6%. Unfortunately, since the budget was adopted June 9, 2025 the amendments are not reflected in this P & L, but Ms. Simmons had Susan run a June 30 P & L so we can discuss areas that are concerning. Alderwoman Simmons went on to say that she met with the department heads in May to let her know what you are spending because once we change the budget there no going back to adjust. She also added that there were some rather large expenses which she realizes happens but these become audit exceptions if we go over a certain amount and we can get written up. One area that is out of range that we have no control over is the cost of chemicals for the water plant. We can say that the cost has quadrupled. She continued that in the General Fund, and noted that we are at 102%. We had some large monthly accounting expenses; we also are over budget in computer expense. City Marshal is in budget. The police department is almost at 102%, payroll is way over budget, she noted that a part-time officer needs to have a change of status to full-time. Prisoner Related expenses is way over budget. Computer Related expenses is way over budget, Chief Moore explained that they needed to have a new system set-up to download and store the bodycams. There was a brief discussion about prisoner meals. Street department is at 104%, the big things are uniforms, office expense, and computer expense. Drainage has the wrong budget entered. Street Improvement is doing well; Fire Protection is good. Police Protection last year the chief’s vehicle was bought and now the lease/purchase account has $50,000. Alderwoman Simmons asked if a decision has been made regarding the lease of the vehicles. Chief Moore said that the person putting together the lease has zero down, 60-month lease for 8 units it would be $8,400/month, and 7 units $6,300/month. Alderwoman Simmons said that the police protection fund receives about $5,000 each month so something will need to get cut. The Mayor said we need to figure out how to make this work. Susan Colden asked why 7 vehicles and not 6, Chief Moore explained that the Sheriff is not required to conduct criminal investigations so that activity is falling to the Chief. He added that it is fine with that but during the day there is only one officer and the dispatcher has a lot going on with the Marshal’s deputies. On night shift they are running 3 officers and it is going well; crime is down but it is shifting to the day time. So, the Chief said there will be the need to add an investigator in the future. Alderwoman Simmons said last year the City spent nearly $23,000 fixing the old units, so if all the old units are gotten rid of, we can use that money to help fund the purchase of the new units. Alderwoman Simmon also said that in the General Fund the police department has a budget and the Mayor can move the money around. The Mayor said we need to figure out how to make it work. Alderwoman Simmons said that the City needs to go on austere budget, if something is not absolutely necessary it can’t happen, we can’t have a negative budget and to add in one area requires a cut in another. She even went on to say this year let’s focus on police funding and next year focus on somewhere different. She also added that salaries and benefits are over 50% of each department’s budget. We also have to keep in mind next January when Blue Cross Blue Shield comes up for renewal what decisions will have to be made. The Mayor then asked if we could possibly get a 72-month lease and Chief Moore responded that he has been pushing for that. The Mayor lowered the Vehicle Maintenance to $4,000. The vehicles all have to be purchased at the same time. Alderwoman Simmons then addressed Utility, which has a problem in the cost of water plant chemical especially brine. The Mayor is looking for other vendors. Alderwoman Simmons said that the Water Plant expenses are over 110%, and this is a direct result of the sharp increases in chemicals. The Mayor asked what the allowable deviation, and Ms. Simmons said she has seen 2% and 5%, and the Mayor felt that 5% correct. Ms. Simmons then commented that the garbage service contract is at 117%. The Mayor said that the bulk waste pickup is not good. The revenue is not in line with the expenses, so we need to look at possibly raising rates. Susan Colden then quickly remarked that the milage roll forward was accepted by the legislative auditor. Act 461 was approved in the amount of $50,000 by Governor Landry for no specific purpose. Alderwoman Simmons first proposed the funds be dedicated to the water plant for replacement of valves, Howard White said maybe the police department should get it towards the purchase of the vehicles. The Mayor said he was planning to use those funds for technology in City Hall. For the LCDBG project the Inflow and Infiltration project we received two bids. The bids were under budget however Alderwoman Simmon said that they have to do a smoke test to determine exactly how may feet of pipe needs replacement. Ms. Colden also stated that we received the score sheets for the asbestos inspectors for the Clearance program. All of these bids will be brought to the board for approval. Sales tax increased over 25% from this time last year. The Mayor announced that Lauren Brown resigned from the Parish Planning and Zoning Commission Board and Matt Goulotta is looking to fill the rest of her term. With no other items to discuss the meeting was adjourned.


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Carol Bourgeois Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:




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Susan Colden City Clerk