Neal McClelland
Correspondent
Parks - Water-related issues dominated the discussion at the Parks Village Council’s November meeting, with Mayor Kevin Kately updating residents and council members on matters involving the town’s water and sewer systems.
Mayor Kately said several residents in the Cypress Island area have raised concerns about recent increases in their water bills following the installation of new meters.
“Some of the new meters replaced units that were more than 20 years old,” Kately explained. “Those older meters often failed to detect leaks, while the new ones are more accurate. In many cases, higher water bills reflect leaks that were already present but previously undetected.”
Concerns
He noted that while large jumps in billing — such as a rise from $20 to $200 — should be investigated, smaller increases are likely the result of the new meters’ improved accuracy. “That’s just how the new meters work,” Kately said.
In other water system updates, the mayor reported that all preparations for constructing a new well have been completed and that the project is awaiting state approval. “Everything is ready to go,” Kately said. “Once the state signs off, we can begin construction, and I’m hopeful that happens soon.”
The council also discussed upcoming work on the village’s sewer system, which includes cleaning and upgrading the sewer pond for the first time. Kately said the village has been working with the Louisiana Rural Water Association to assess the scope of needed improvements.
Additionally, the council reappointed Fred Mills to the Southwest Economic Development Authority (SWEDA) for another term.
