Cedars sees no need to trim parish workforce

Parish President Chester Cedars is not anticipating the need to lay off workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the April 16 parish council meeting, Cedars said that the parish is continuing with its business, but it’s not “business not as usual.” Considerable changes have been made to comply with Governor John Bel Edwards’ orders and provide for the safety of both workers and residents.
“I’m proud to report that the parish is functioning well despite the crisis,” he said. “Public works crews are working normal shifts while avoiding any interactions with the public. Section 8 operations, animal control, permitting and licensing all continue. I don’t see any issues that would result in layoffs or furloughs.”
Cedars commended the staff and workers for their handling of this very unusual situation.
Further, Cedars commented that the good financial condition he inherited from past president Guy Cormier and continued frugal management of spending has resulted in a high degree of self-sufficiency in dealing with financial stresses caused by the epidemic.
“I have been meeting regularly with Director of Finance Sean Hundley, and it’s too early to get a complete picture of our financial position,” he said. “It looks like there may be some federal help for parishes eventually, but make no mistake, we will not depend on the federal government. If we do get some help it will be icing on the cake, but we can do what we need to do with our own financial resources.”
He said the parish has tightened its belt to keep finances under close control in a situation that will continue to put pressure on the budget into 2021 and probably beyond. Equipment purchases, road work and other things have been put on hold.
He reminded the council that this a property tax assessment year and some adverse effects can be expected.
Cedars added that, when you look at the past few years, there has been something of a “perfect storm” of challenges, affecting some municipalities in the parish worse than others.
“Look at Henderson,” he said, “They have had flooding, bridges closed, the I-10 widening mess, depressed oil prices and now COVID-19.
“But they have done an amazing job under trying circumstances,” he said, “I’m really proud of all our municipalities.” And generally, he thinks local business owners have responded to the emergency much better than nationwide chains.
“Locally-owned stores responded quickly with appropriate safety measures and restaurants have been very resourceful in providing services while reducing risks.” Not so for many of the big chain stores, however. “We should remember how well our local merchants behaved even after the current crisis ends,” he said.

Other Business
Cedars reported that the appeal of a District Court decision on the parish suit against Champagne Swamp Tours at Lake Martin has progressed to a five-judge panel, which he believes is a positive development. The new hearing is scheduled for May 20.
And the council:
•Gave notice that it intends to consider calling for an election to authorize the renewal of the ad valorem tax supporting the parish library system at its May 19 meeting.
•Tabled an appointment to the Industrial Development Board in contemplation of dissolving the board.
•Requested a public hearing to review the renewal of the permit for Greenpoint Inc. to continue operating a landfill in Cade.
•Lowered the speed limit on Raspy Road, near Parks, to 25 mph.