— The Henderson Town Council held its first meeting of the new fiscal year this month in a largely routine session that focused primarily on ongoing issues with local postal service and internal administrative matters.
While a few items were brought to a vote, the council spent a significant portion of the meeting discussing concerns over mail delivery. Residents are currently required to travel to Breaux Bridge to retrieve their mail, despite the recent installation of new P.O. boxes in a local park within Henderson.
Mayor Sherbin Collette informed the council that the Postmaster in Breaux Bridge was expected to send out letters explaining how residents could obtain a new box at the park location. However, many residents report they have not received any communication.
“Not everyone has received a letter,” Collette stated during the meeting, which prompted a 15-minute discussion among council members about the ongoing confusion and lack of clarity from postal officials. Though no formal action was taken, the council indicated it will continue to monitor the situation closely.
In other business, the council approved two ordinances related to city personnel. One ordinance revised the leave and vacation policy for the Henderson Police Department, while the other updated the list of paid holidays for municipal employees.
Additionally, the council awarded a contract for asbestos testing to DeRidder Consulting Engineers, LTD for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Mayor Collette noted that funding for the inspections has already been allocated.
“Every building has to be inspected for asbestos, and we have money set aside for that,” he said.
Jake Benoit, a representative from U.S. Senator John Kennedy’s office, also addressed the council, offering his services as a point of contact for future matters involving the Senator’s office.
City Attorney Jerry Mallet reported no progress regarding the town’s MPERS (Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System) issue.
However, Mayor Collette did provide an update on the Cecilia water line relocation project. Engineers are expected to begin work soon, although a specific start date has not yet been announced.
With no further business on the agenda, the council adjourned its meeting and is set to reconvene in August.
