Neal McClelland Correspondent
Parks - The Parks Vil - lage Council approved both the final amended budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year and the pro - jected budget for 202526, which will take ef - fect in July, at its June meeting.
Mayor Kevin Kately noted there were mini - mal changes between this year's and last year's budgets, with only a few exceptions.
Don Segura, Director of the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District, addressed the council regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) ongoing Bayou Teche cleanup.
The current USACE project has focused on clearing debris and ob - structions from Bayou Teche, particularly between the Keystone Locks and Arnaudville, with the possibility of extending the cleanup to Port Barre.
Parks
A significant challenge has been that standard Corps equipment is too large for the locks and upper bayou areas, causing delays as they source smaller, more suitable equipment.
The council introduced an ordinance to renew its agreement with SLEMCO for street lighting.
Mayor Kately emphasized the need to review the agreement’s language and confirm the number of street lights provided compared to the previous contract.
The proposed franchise would last 10 years, with a vote scheduled for the next meeting.
Progress continues on a new municipal well and water meter installations.
The city is awaiting engineering approval to begin the well project, with the mayor expressing optimism about securing an additional $400,000 in funding.
Installation of new water meters in the Cypress Island area is expected to begin within the next month.
The council also discussed upcoming expenses related to relocating old water pipes due to new road construction on Louisiana Highway 347.
The exact costs are not yet determined, but the council is preparing for the expense.
With no further business, the council adjourned until July.
