BOBBY ARDOIN Editor/Consulting Writer
The City of Opelousas has agreed – at least temporarily – to pay more than three times what was previously charged monthly for a downtown fire station to remain open in order to maintain a current fire rating and protect fire department equipment.
Beginning this month, the city is paying $2,000 monthly to the Hope, Hook and Ladder Company – a voluntary fire company organization – that owns the property and building on Union Street.
Previously the city was paying $600 in monthly rental costs, according to City Attorney Travis Broussard.
The new financial arrangement, approved during a Board of Aldermen February meeting, will continue on a monthly basis, unless the City and representatives from Hope, Hook and Ladder can agree on an alternative amount.
Mayor Julius Alsandor broke a tie vote on the matter.
Broussard said representatives from Hope, Hook and Ladder unexpectedly approached city officials in January with demands for the $2,000 monthly payments.
It is his opinion, Broussard added that the rent increase is excessive and demands for higher rent was proposed to city officials in what he considers an unfriendly fashion.
“There was no justification for charging two thousand a month. (Hope, Hook And Ladder) came in and in January told the city that this was going to be the rent costs due March 1. They also gave us a letter to vacate,” said Broussard, who advocated that the city should pay the higher rent on a monthly basis so the Union Street department can continue functioning.
Broussard said an examination of the building constitutes, in his opinion, an excessive rent situation that now will cost the city just over one million more annually.
During the February meeting, Hope, Hook and Ladder had no representatives who spoke.
At this point Alsandor also told the Board that the city should pay the increase.
“Then if we find an option, we move on,” said Alsandor
Protecting The Equipment and Fire Rating
Fire Chief Bryan Chavis is recommending that the city pay the rent increase for the building until another solution can be determined.
Chavis pointed out that if the station closed, it could affect the city’s fire rating, causing increases in residential and commercial fire insurance protection.
Also the fire department has at least one truck that would not be protected from external elements if that unit was moved to another location. Leaving the vehicle out in the weather would also increase fire ratings, Chavis said.
Comments From The Board
Alderman Charles Cummings said it’s obvious Hope, Hook and Ladder has given the city what Cummings described as a “take it or leave it” proposal
Cummings said it’s apparent to him that the volunteer fire organization can’t afford to maintain the building on Union Street, but Hope, Hook and Ladder also does not want to sell it.
“We need to keep this facility operating because of its importance,” Cummings said.
Alderwoman Delita Broussard warned that Hope, Hook and Ladder might eventually decide to propose monthly rental costs that are even higher.
“If they do go up, then what are you going to do?” Broussard told Cummings.
Broussard suggested that the city should begin seeking an alternative building for a downtown fire station.
Chavis said it is time the city and representatives from Hope, Hook and Ladder meet to discuss the matter.
“You need to sity down and have a meaningful conversation. We have to have the building and they (Hope, Hook and Ladder) should come up with a better proposal,” Chavis added.
