Henderson – The-Henderson Town Council held a mostly routine session for its October meeting, addressing several housekeeping matters and a few motions. However, the ongoing dispute with the Municipal Police Employees Retirement System (MPERS) remained the key topic of discussion.
Town Attorney Jerry Mallet informed the council that RML’s attorneys had sent notice of a court hearing scheduled for Oct. 27 at 9:30 a.m. The hearing will mark the first court date in the town’s legal battle with MPERS, following several months of discussions regarding payment obligations.
MPERS
The council also approved Mallet’s recommendation to appoint attorney Warren Ashey as the new magistrate of the Mayor’s Court. Ashey, who brings 45 years of legal experience, will serve at a rate of $250 per hour.
In other business, the council accepted the resignation of Officer Kevin Serialle and voted to keep Officer Dustin Chatelain on the payroll until Oct. 15, when his Worker’s Compensation benefits begin.
Mayor Sherbin updated the council that town workers are currently pressure washing the concession building at the park in preparation for painting.
Guest speaker Russell Champagne, CPA presented the fiscal year 2024–2025 audit and explained the differences from previous years, noting that new federal funds required compliance with additional audit guidelines.
Another speaker, Kelli Cantu from Chez Hope — a nonprofit domestic violence agency serving St. Martin, St. Mary, Iberia and Assumption payishes — outlined the organization’s services, which include helping individuals with protective orders and assisting parents and grandparents dealing with adult children in crisis.
