Minutes from the October 7, 2025 City of Jeanerette Finance Committee Meeting

[City Clerk]

Minutes from the October 7, 2025 City of Jeanerette Finance Committee Meeting Present- Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., Alderwoman Tia Simmons, Alderwoman Charlene Moore, Finance Manager Christie Connor, and Police Chief Terrance Moore was also in attendance. The Mayor called the meeting to order. There were no public comments. Alderwoman Simmons stated that budget to actual should be at 16%. The Mayor had to step out so Alderwoman Simmons first reviewed the Police department’s budget. Alderwoman Simmons noted that the prisoner related expenses were very high and asked if that would be ongoing. Chief Moore replied that they expect reimbursement for a portion of this. The expense is partially due to the department agreeing to provide mutual assistance and house two 17-year-old females for the Iberia Parish Sheriff. One of the women goes to court on Thursday and the Sheriff will be covering the cost of the meals. Alderwoman Simmons asked if Chief Moore has to follow the State law of $12 per meal per day or do you do actual cost? Chief Moore replied actual cost and actual housing, they will need to get with City Attorney to draft an agreement that defines the costs, he feels the jail can generate revenue. Alderwoman Simmons also asked if any agency was interested in sub-leasing our juvenile bed in Jackson Parish. Chief Moore said there were 2 agencies looking interested. Alderwoman Simmons then noted that generator maintenance was charged to an account that is not in the budget and needs to be moved. It was later noted that this account was supposed to be Jail Repairs with a budget of $6,000. Alderwoman Simmons then reviewed the Administration general fund budget, and asked why the pest control is so far out of budget, 273.55% of budget? The computer expense reflects costs to install the computers that were purchased with the LGAP funds. Alderwoman Simmons then questioned the phone/internet cost in the fire department general fund since it is at 62%. That will be looked at. Alderwoman Simmons then addressed the uniforms in the street department which has a budget of $2,500 and bills to date paid of $5,393. The Mayor said that they will look at that. Next Alderwoman Simmons pointed out that the budget is only displaying under the General fund. She then commented that the sales tax is less than what was budgeted. Alderwoman Simmons then noted that in the Drainage and Mosquito fund no money has been spent to date on repairs or supplies. Next, she focused on Fund 55 which contains the funding for Love Louisiana, Clearence Program, and the Sewer I & I. She noted that Sellers fees need to be added but they are not covered by the grant so it will require a substantial increase from 1%. Current balance is $475,000 and we need $450,000 to cover General Fund, $991,000 to cover Fund 57. Next, in Fund 57, if we do City Hall, the million for the sewer plant and million for the new water tanks this fiscal year it will take $916,000 from 1% and we will also need to take out the Sellers’s fees for these grants. Next Alderwoman Simmons addressed the Police Protection fund with Chief Moore. She addressed the vehicle lease with the Chief, she stated that if you lease 7 vehicles you need $93,700/year and if you are able to use HB 461 for $50,000 what will cover the first year with $7,000 extra which can be the first payment for the following year. But for the remaining term of the lease, it is unclear where these funds are coming from. During a discussion on funding Alderwoman Simmons noted that we have LGAP funding that we have not used of $15,000 and $35,000, could those funds be directed, what is the lease terms? Chief Moore answered that it is a 5-year lease. He then also went on to say that he has been speaking to Lady Bown and Senator Allain about taping into the tobacco tax revenue for the first responders and if that can get secured in the next session then the lease and repairs to the building can be paid off. Alderwoman Simmons said she thought it was a good plan but what if the bill does not pass. Chief Moore said Plan B would be using the sales tax to fund the vehicles. She then said when to talk to the council you need to address how you are going to cover the years where you are short. Alderwoman Simmons then addressed the Mayor concerning the 23-24 CWEF funds for $50,000. She also stated that in the water plant repairs we spent close to $13,000, we should be applying to have these funds cover the expenses we have paid. Finally, she shifted to the Utility fund again there is no budget. But the numbers show the chemicals especially the bulk salt is a budgetary concern. The Mayor said that they are looking into making our own brine, but it will take a $150,000 upfront investment but it was noted that year to date we have already spent $88,000. The Mayor expressed that the new system will take time to get done and Alderwoman Simmons said that the cost of brine combined with the DEQ debt requirements will really put stress on the utility fund. The Mayor suggested maybe look bringing in another community to increase, Alderwoman Simmons then questioned if it could be done before we have funding issue. The discussion then went to enforcement of tall grass and the enforcement. Alderwoman Simmons suggested to take the blighted property money and hire a lawn service and have them cut all the properties with tall grass. She said they first need to be cited. The Mayor liked the idea. Next Finance Manager Christie Connor reviewed the utility status report, sales tax report, bank balances and account payables. They also discussed the procedure for citing blight. The citation is issued after the letter is sent, the officer then records proof that it has not been complied with. 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