SLP Council Regular Meeting

AGENDA

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026 @ 6:00 P.M.
OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & INVOCATION (Councilman Faltery Jolivette)
III. ROLL CALL:
IV. CONDOLENCES:
V. PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL:
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 Regular Meeting: February 18th
, 2026
VII. PARISH PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

 Approval for preliminary and final plat showing the Resubdivision of
Lots 5, 6, 7,8 and 15 and creating Lots 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 15A Daly Estates
street address: LA Hwy. 182 and LA Hwy 178 Sunset, La 70584.

VIII. NEW BUSINESS:

*Items passed through committee.

Vote for two appointments for a two-year term to Coulee Croche Fire Protection District
No. 4. (04-20-2026 – 04-20-2028). Applicants are: Joy Usie, Kyle Boss, and
Tyler Cormier.
Vote to appoint Joel Brent Breaux for a five-year term to St. Landry Agricultural Arena
Authority. (03-17-2026 – 03-17-2031)
Authorize Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment for Public Works Commission
District Six for the remainder of a four-year term ending 10-20-2028.
IX. ORDINANCES TO BE INTRODUCED:

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-010

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ST. LANDRY PARISH ORDINANCE CHAPTER 44, SECTION 44-
14 so that Jessie Richard Road and Bearb Road can be included on the list of roads in
St. Landry Parish that are designated as “No Truck or 18-Wheeler Thru Traffic” routes.

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-011

AN ORDINANCE TO LEVY THE MILLAGES FOR THE 2026 TAX ROLLS ON
ALL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION BE IT ORDAINED BY THE
COUNCIL OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT the following
millages are hereby levied on the 2026 tax rolls on all property subject to taxation:

2026 LEVY
General Alimony 3.780 mills
Exempted Municipalities 1.890 mills
Health Units 2.170 mills
Jail Parish Wide 1.000 mills
Road District No 11A Sub 1 9.560 mills
Road District No 1 Ward 3 10.260 mills
Road District No 12 Ward 2 4.800 mills

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X. ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED:

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-004
(Sponsored by: Councilman Jimmie Edwards)
AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE 2026 OPERATING BUDGET
WHEREAS, the 2026 St. Landry Parish Operating Budget, herein attached, is hereby adopted to
reflect the detailed estimate of revenues and expenses for the fiscal year beginning January 1,
2026, and ending December 31, 2026, being the same is hereby adopted to serve as the
operating Budget of Revenues and Expenses for the Parish of St. Landry during the said period.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
THAT:
Section 1. The attached, detailed estimates of revenues for the fiscal year beginning January
1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026, is hereby adopted to serve as the operating Budget
of Revenues for the Parish of St. Landry during the said period.
Section 2. The attached estimates of expenditures by department for fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026, is hereby adopted to serve as an operating
Budget of Expenditures for the Parish of St. Landry during the said period.
Section 3. The adoption of the Operating Budget of Expenditures being the same is hereby
declared to operate as an appropriation of the amount therein set forth within the terms of
the budget classification.
Section 4. Amounts are available for expenditures only to the extent included within the
2026 Budget.
Section 5. All power to alter this Budget is reserved by the St. Landry Parish Council.

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-007
(Sponsored by: Councilwoman Mildred Thierry)
AN ORDINANCE TO SELL ADJUDICATED PROPERTY BEARING PARCEL
NUMBER 8178722206 TO AN ADJOINING LANDOWNER OF THE ADJUDICATED
PROPERTY AS PER LA R.S. 47:2202 (B)
WHEREAS, Louisiana Revised Statute 47:2202 B. states that the governing authority of each
political subdivision may allow an adjoining landowner to purchase adjudicated property for any
price set by the governing authority without public bidding at a public meeting of the governing
authority; provided, that the governing authority determines that the adjoining landowner has
maintained the adjudicated property for a period of one year prior to the sale. Such a sale shall be
deemed a public sale.
WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish Government has determined that Genevieve Zachery is the
adjoining landowner of adjudicated property and has maintained said adjudicated property for a
period of one year or more, and thus, Genevieve Zachery may purchase the adjudicated property
through a public sale without public bidding.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
that the following adjudicated property shall be sold by public sale to Genevieve Zachery,
an adjoining land owner to the adjudicated property who maintained said adjudicated
property for one year or more, without public bidding, for a price set by St. Landry Parish
Government, as per LA R.S. 47:2202 B., and said adjudicated property is described as
follows:
1 LOT 35 (50 X 93.2) CHARLES O. BURR ADD 689829 (1-25-386) 1007796

This adjudicated property bearing parcel number 8178722206 in the St. Landry Parish
land records which adjoins the property bearing parcel number 0103372500

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-008
(Sponsored by: Councilman Ken Marks)
AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 2025-035, WHICH IS AN
ORDINANCE TO SELL ADJUDICATED PROPERTY TO AN ADJOINING
LANDOWNER OF THE ADJUDICATED PROPERTY, DUE TO THE FACT THAT
THE OWNER OF THE ADJUDICATED PROPERTY REDEEMED THE PROPERTY
PRIOR TO ORDINANCE NO. 2025-035 BEING ENACTED
WHEREAS , Ordinance No. 2025-035 was enacted by the St. Landry Parish Council on October
15, 2025, and said Ordinance ordained that adjudicated property bearing parcel number
0105907050C would be sold to the adjoining landowner, Gilda Gretchain, as per LA R.S.
47:2202 (B).
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2025-035 was recorded in the Conveyance records of the St. Landry
Parish Clerk of Court on October 16, 2025, under Act number 1274250.
WHEREAS, the owner of the adjudicated property, James Larry Thibodeaux, redeemed the
property prior to Ordinance No. 2025-035 being enacted.
WHEREAS, no Conveyance or Non-warranty Cash Sale conveying the property to Gilda
Gretchain has been signed or recorded with the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court.
WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish Council shall repeal Ordinance No. 2025-035 because the
adjudicated property has been redeemed by the owner of the property.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH GOVERNMENT
that St. Landry Parish Ordinance number 2025-035, which conveys formerly adjudicated
property bearing parcel number 0105907050C, and being described as 1 LOT TRACT 8-C
(53.75X197.24) (.243 AC) PARTITION OF LOT 8 OF LEONARD CHENIER ESTATE, N
TRACT 8-D; S TRACK 8-B; E LAZARD; W LOT 7, IN SEC. 71, T-5-S, R-3-E, 1034295
PLAT, to the adjoining landowner of that property, is hereby repealed.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH
GOVERNMENT that the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court is hereby requested and
authorized to make note of this Ordinance on the Ordinance that is being repealed which is
recorded under Act number 1274250 in the Conveyance records of the St. Landry Parish
Clerk of Court.

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-009
(Sponsored By: Councilman Ken Marks)

AN ORDINANCE TO ABANDON BATISTE ROAD IN ST. LANDRY PARISH
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Government has decided to abandon Batiste Road in
St. Landry Parish because Batiste Road is no longer needed for public purposes, as per Louisiana
Revised Statute 48:701.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ST. LANDRY PARISH
GOVERNMENT that Batiste Road in St. Landry Parish is hereby abandoned.

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XI. RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED:

RESOLUTION NO. 003-2026

A resolution approving the holding of an election in Bellevue and Coulee Croche Gravity
Drainage District No. 20 of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to
authorize the renewal of a special tax therein.
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Bellevue and Coulee Croche Gravity Drainage
District No. 20 of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the
governing authority of Bellevue and Coulee Croche Gravity Drainage District No. 20 of
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), adopted a resolution on March 3, 2026, calling a
special election in the District on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to authorize the renewal of a special tax
therein; and
WHEREAS, the governing authority of the District has requested that this Parish Council, acting
as the governing authority of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana, give its consent and
authority for the District to hold the aforesaid election, and in the event that the election carries to
continue to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein; and
WHEREAS, as required by Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of
1974, it is now the desire of this Parish Council to approve the holding of said election and in the
event that the election carries, to authorize the District to continue to levy and collect the special
tax provided for therein;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish Council of the Parish of St. Landry,
State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of said Parish, that:
SECTION 1. In compliance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution of
the State of Louisiana of 1974, and in accordance with the request of the Board of
Commissioners of Bellevue and Coulee Croche Gravity Drainage District No. 20 of St. Landry
Parish, Louisiana, this Parish Council hereby approves the holding of an election in the District,
on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at which election there will be submitted the following proposition,
to-wit:

PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

Shall Bellevue and Coulee Croche Gravity Drainage District No. 20 of St. Landry Parish,
Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 7.84 mills on all the property
subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $210,000 reasonably expected at this time
to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years,
beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of
constructing, maintaining, operating and improving the Gravity Drainage Works in the
District?
SECTION 2. In the event the election carries, this Parish Council does hereby further consent to
and authorize the District to continue to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein.

RESOLUTION NO. 004-2026

A resolution approving the holding of an election in Fire Protection District No. 6 of the Parish of
St. Landry, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to authorize the continuation of a
special tax therein.
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Fire Protection District No. 6 of the Parish of
St. Landry, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of Fire
Protection District No. 6 of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana (the “District”), adopted a
resolution on March 10, 2026, calling a special election in the District on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to
authorize the continuation of a special tax therein; and
WHEREAS, the governing authority of the District has requested that this Parish Council, acting as the
governing authority of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana, give its consent and authority for the
District to hold the aforesaid election, and in the event that the election carries to continue to levy and
collect the special tax provided for therein; and
WHEREAS, as required by Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, it
is now the desire of this Parish Council to approve the holding of said election and in the event that the
election carries, to authorize the District to continue to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish Council of the Parish of St. Landry, State of
Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of said Parish, that:

SECTION 1. In compliance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State
of Louisiana of 1974, and in accordance with the request of the Board of Commissioners of Fire Protection
District No. 6 of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana, this Parish Council hereby approves the
holding of an election in the District, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at which election there will be submitted
the following proposition, to-wit:

PROPOSITION
(TAX CONTINUATION)

Shall Fire Protection District No. 6 of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana (the
“District”), continue to levy a special tax of 5.16 mills (the “Tax”) on all property subject
to taxation in the District (an estimated $198,000 reasonably expected at this time to be
collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning
with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, for the purpose of maintaining and
operating fire protection facilities, purchasing firefighting equipment and paying the cost
of obtaining water for fire protection purposes, provided that a portion of the Tax proceeds
is required to be contributed to state and statewide retirement systems as provided in R.S.
11:82, said millage to represent a 0.64 mills increase (due to reappraisal) over the 4.52
mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2026 pursuant to an election held on
November 21, 2015?
SECTION 2. In the event the election carries, this Parish Council does hereby further consent to
and authorize the District to continue to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein.

RESOLUTION NO. 005-2026

WHEREAS, there are documents and requests that St. Landry Parish Government needs to sign
regarding any and all contracts on behalf of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and
Development involving the following projects: State Project No. H.015505 (Solid Waste Road
over Bayou Boeuf) and State Project No. H.015510 (Phillip Street over Bayou Yarbor).
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the St. Landry Parish Council that the St. Landry Parish
President, Jessie Bellard, is authorized to sign any and all documents and requests on behalf of the
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development involving the following projects: State Project
No. H.015505 (Solid Waste Road over Bayou Boeuf) and State Project No. H.015510 (Phillip Street over
Bayou Yarbor).

RESOLUTION NO. 006-2026

A Resolution authorizing St. Landry Parish to participate in the recent national settlements with Remnant
Defendants (“2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements”), arising from or relating to St. Landry Parish’s
claims in the national opioid litigation, in conjunction with and pursuant to the previously agreed to
Louisiana Memorandum of Understanding with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office (“Louisiana
MOU”).
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish has suffered harm from the opioid epidemic;
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish recognizes that the entire State of Louisiana has suffered harm as a result
from the opioid epidemic;
WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana has a pending action in state court, and a number of Louisiana
Parishes, Cities and Special Districts have also filed actions in state court or have been transferred to, or
directly in, In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804 (N.D. Ohio) (the “Opioid
Litigation” or “national opioid litigation”).
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish is a litigating political subdivision and has a pending action in the Opioid
Litigation;
WHEREAS, the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements were publicly announced to all potential
participating subdivisions nationwide on or around March 5, 2026;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish recognizes, acknowledges and accepts that it is eligible to participate in the
recently announced 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements, even though some of the remnant defendants
were not a named party in St. Landry Parish’s pending action;
WHEREAS, participation in the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements by a large majority of Louisiana
cities, parishes and special districts will maximize the amount of funds allocated for Louisiana under the
Settlement Agreement;
WHEREAS, failure to participate in the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements will reduce funds available
to the State, St. Landry Parish, and every other Louisiana City, Parish and Special District;
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys from Neblett, Beard & Arsenault (and other co-counsel
firms) have sufficiently explained the details of the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements to St. Landry
Parish (through its Legal Advisor/Counsel), St. Landry Parish has had an opportunity to ask questions
concerning same, and St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys have satisfactorily answered those questions to
the best of their ability and based on currently available information;
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys from Neblett, Beard & Arsenault (and other co-counsel
firms) firmly believe that St. Landry Parish’s participation in the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements is
and will be in St. Landry Parish’s best interest;
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys from Neblett, Beard & Arsenault (and other co-counsel
firms) strongly recommend that St. Landry Parish participate in the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements
arising from or relating to St. Landry Parish’s pending action and claims in the national opioid litigation,
and agree to be bound by the terms thereof; and
WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish finds it prudent, appropriate and necessary to: (1) authorize the Parish
President to agree to the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements arising from or relating to resolution of
St. Landry Parish’s claims in the National Opioid Litigation and its pending action; and (2) authorize the
Parish President to execute any formal agreements required by the Louisiana MOU or required to effect
St. Landry Parish’s participation in the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements, including but not limited
to, any Subdivision Settlement Participation Form(s)/Agreement(s), Release(s) or other documents
required by any Settlement Agreements arising from or relating to resolution of St. Landry Parish’s claims
in the National Opioid Litigation and pending action.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL:
SECTION 1. That St. Landry Parish finds that participation in the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements
is in the best interest of St. Landry Parish, its citizens, and its community(ies).
SECTION 2. That St. Landry Parish hereby re-affirms its support of a unified plan for the allocation of any
funds and use of opioid settlement proceeds as generally described in the previously agreed-to and
executed Louisiana MOU.
SECTION 3. That Parish President is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents or formal
agreements to effectuate St. Landry Parish’s participation in the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements,
including but not limited to, Settlement Participation Form(s)/Agreement(s), Releases and other necessary
documents.

SECTION 4. That St. Landry Parish’s private attorneys from Neblett, Beard & Arsenault (and other co-
counsel firms) are authorized to perform any and all work necessary to accomplish St. Landry Parish’s

participation in the 2026 Remnant Defendants Settlements, and resolution of St. Landry Parish’s claims in
the National Opioid Litigation and its pending action.
SECTION 5. That the Secretary/Clerk be and hereby is instructed to record this Resolution in the
appropriate record book upon its adoption.
SECTION 6. The Secretary/Clerk is hereby directed to furnish a certified copy of this Resolution to:

Neblett, Beard & Arsenault
c/o Dustin C. Carter
P.O. Box 12120
Alexandria, LA 71315

SECTION 7. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

XII. COMMITTEE MINUTES:

FIRST MEETING
ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2026
OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.

OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards called this meeting of the Public Works Committee
of the St. Landry Parish Council to order.
Councilman Faltery Jolivette said the Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation.
Roll Call: Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Jimmie Edwards and Ernest Blanchard.
Ex-Officio Wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: Jody White and Vivian Olivier.
Person to address the Committee:
Ms. Joy Usie addressed the council. She stated, “Good evening to all of you, President
Bellard, Chairman Ardoin and members of the Committee. My name is Joy Usie. I am
applying to be seated on the Fire Board for Coulee Croche Fire Protection District No. 4.
I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in the Cankton
Community and I am a lifelong resident of St. Landry Parish. I belong to the Catholic
Church in Cankton Louisiana. In growing up I attended Cankton Elementary School. I
became a teacher and served as a teacher at Cankton Elementary for a number of years
and then I went on and served as the School Principal at Cankton Elementary for about
15 years. I later worked as an Instructional Supervisor for the St. Landry Parish School
Board. At that time I had an opportunity to visit communities and schools throughout our
parish. I have traveled to Krotz Springs, Port Barre, Opelousas, Eunice, Melville,
Morrow, Washington, Arnaudville, Sunset, Grand Coteau and back to Cankton. This is a
large parish about 929 square miles as all of you know. Over that time I have meet some
incredibly hard working people, people who love their community and are dedicated to
serving their community. The men and woman of the Cankton Community and Coulee
Croche are some of those hard working and dedicated people. Our first responders and
firefighters know what service to their community is. If you dial 911 they are the first
individuals there and they respond in minutes. These volunteers actively attend fire
training and CPR training. They do hazmat and rescue operations. They seek grants and
funds to upgrade equipment and to procure new equipment. They keep up with
mandates, rules and regulations that pertain to fire safety and protection. In addition
these volunteers support our veterans and our children. They participate in food drives,
toy funds and they host the mosquito festival which was held in Cankton in the fall of
As a member of the Cankton Community I am so proud of these men and women,
many of whom I have actually thought in school, that tells you how old I am. For me to
give back to my community, serve and support these people I would like your
consideration when you select an individual for the Fire Board for Coulee Croche Fire
Protection District No. 4. I thank all of you. Good evening.”
Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards questioned, “Does anyone have any questions
for Ms. Usie?”
Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “It is truly a pleasure to hear you and the views that
you bring to the table. We would like to say thank you for the passion that you have to
serve.”

Ms. Joy Usie stated, “Thank you very much. My husband and I live in the Cankton
Community. About 2-3 years ago they built the new Coulee Croche Fire Station and it is
adjacent to our house. We are literally sitting on the Fire Station in Cankton.”
Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards stated, “Mr. Batiste do you want to speak or
do you want to wait until the Finance Committee?”
Mr. Milton Batiste, Superintendent stated, “If I can.”
Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards stated, “Okay.”
Mr. Milton Batiste, Superintendent stated, “Mr. Brown already told me that I had 5
minutes. We have a Regional Round Playoff Game tonight so I definitely appreciate
speaking early.
Good evening Mr. President and members of the board. Again thank you Mr. Brown for
the invite and thanks to each and every one of you all for what you all do. I know we
spend countless hours talking on the phone and you advocate for different areas around
the parish so thank you for all of your support as we continue to move around. We have
kicked off our School Millage Campaign. I have had a chance to present to every school
staff at this point and I always start off like this. I am not the property tax police and I am
not the millage police. The only thing that I want you all to do is listen with an open
mind and an open heart. If there is something that you can support we would absolutely
appreciate it. If there is something that you can’t support I will understand but I want you
to listen with an open mind and an open heart. We normally have a power point
presentation as we are doing this but as I speak through it I ask you to try and create a
visual in your mind so you can follow me. The first thought I had was in 1986. When
you think about 1986 think about where were you. While you are thinking I will tell you
where I was in 1986. In 1986 I was at Grolee Elementary in the second grade in Ms.
Rider’s classroom. I had not moved to Plaisance yet Ms. Thierry because I was still at
Grolee in the second grade in Ms. Rider’s Class. So think about where you were in 1986.
So in 1986 was the last time that the St. Landry Parish School system had an increase in
our school millage rate in the parish, so think about that. Now we are operating on a 40
year old budget. When you think about 40 years you think about a school bus and a
school bus at that time cost about $20,000.00 and one school bus as we speak now cost
about $125,000.00. We think about the classroom, it did not have air condition and now
we have air condition all across our buildings. You think about computers, at that time
we probably had 2-3 computers in the entire district and now we have thousands, in fact
every student have a 1-1 ration and every student have their own device. I think that is
one of the great benefits of the St. Landry Parish School System and that is insurance.
Everything that you currently see and currently have like right now is being funded on
that same 1986 budget. What we are asking for is an additional $9.9 Mils. It is on that
one page and you can follow along. The previous superintendent asked for 23 additional
mils. What I did as superintendent I went to a lot of people who said no we cannot
support that and I ask why? They said too much, too soon, to fast so I said what if we
scale back and keep it under double digits and ask for some things that we can do and put
into place will you support it? Right now the feedback that I have been getting so far has
been really good in terms of the support so think about 1986. The second thing I want
you all to think about is that we have 64 parishes in Louisiana and Ms. Joy Usie put it
very eloquently that we cover about 929 square miles. So we have 64 parishes in the
state of Louisiana and St. Landry Parish covers about 929 square miles. Of those 64
parishes St. Landry Parish as a school system currently have the 60 lowest millage. As a
school system we have the 60 lowest millage out of 64 parishes. I will not mention
Lafayette when you think about Acadia, St. Martin, Evangeline and our neighboring
parishes they are passing some of the school millage but we are 60 out of 64 parishes in
the state of Louisiana. If we are able to pass this millage what changes? That is the big
token. Out of those 929 square miles we have seven high schools. Out of those seven
high schools we have one functioning tract. Right now the only functioning tract in the
St. Landry Parish School System is North West High, not Eunice High, Beau Chene
High, Port Barry High, North Central High, none of those tracks are runnable or operable.
This plan would allow every high school to have a new tract and a turf football field. I
have already told every high school principal that these fields and these tracks are not just
for the students they are also for the community. When we get this done we want the

tracks open so Ms. Nancy can go run and exercise and anyone else. This will allow us to
secure and fence in our elementary campus, remember the public said no to brand new
buildings all around the parish so how do we secure what we currently have. At Eunice
Elementary you can walk right onto Park Vista’s campus. We have a lot of elementary
campus that you can walk right onto from the major highways. We want to be able to
keep outside threats out and we want to keep our students in because we have a lot of
students that are runners. We want to be able to get the state of the art metal detectors at

our schools to help deter treats, weapons violence all of those things that are at an all-
time high. Our high schools have material loaded building but our elementary schools

don’t. We want to be able to get metal detectors to help in that effort. I mentioned seven
high schools but what about our Magnet Schools. If I am a parent and I have a kid that
goes to a Magnet School how would this benefit the Magnet Schools? The Magnet
Schools does not have sports. The Magnet Schools would get a performance auditorium
because they have performances. When families go now they pack into the gym and
most times they cannot hear or understand what is going on. This would allow families to
benefit from the performances at the Magnet Schools. The last component would be for
employees. This would allow every employee no matter what you do for St. Landry
Parish School System, whether you are a principal, assistant principal, teacher, custodian,
bus driver, cafeteria worker every employee would receive a $2,500.00 raise. Why is that
important? It allows me to compete with Evangeline and Acadia for the best personnel
support for our students. I know that I have said a lot but I don’t have a lot of time to go
through everything but one more thing that I want to add is this: This is not just a public
school plan it is a plan for St. Landry Parish. The St. Landry Parish School System
supports private and public schools students. I will tell you how: Every school in the
parish receives whether you are private or public you will receive Federal Funding. That
Federal Funding comes in to the St. Landry Parish School system, I sign off on those
funds and we distribute those funds and I do periodic evaluations. If you go to a private
school or a public school and you receive Special Education Services whether that
student is hearing impaired, vision impaired or speech impaired the St. Landry Parish
School System provides Pupil Appraisal Services to those kids that qualify. This is not
just a public school plan this is a plan for our parish. We look at crime and some of the
challenges that you are facing as a governing body I think that education is the key to
overcoming this. Again I am not coming forth to push this down your throat but I ask
that you do your homework and do your research. At the bottom of the sheet you can see
that if your home is valued for $80,000.00 it will cost you an additional $4.95 a year to
support this. If your home is valued at $140,000.00 it will cost you an additional $64.35
a year to support this. We do have an active website to where you can go on and plug in
an amount so you can see. If you have any questions you can give me a call and we can
talk through it. All I ask if that you just look at it with an open mind and an open heart.
If this is something that you can support and help advocate for please do so. The election
will be on the ballot on May 16th, 2026. Employee salaries will start in September,
fencing project, metal detection project will start right away. The only thing that will be
delayed would be the football fields because we will be right in the heart of football
season at that time and we will have to wait until the season ends to start those projects.”
Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards questioned, “Are there any questions for Mr.
Batiste?”
Councilman Harold Taylor questioned, “What is the average assessed value of homes
here in St. Landry Parish?”
Mr. Milton Batiste, Superintendent stated, “I don’t know the average assessed value but
I do know we have about 45% of our homes are homestead exempt. I am not sure of the
average home stead exemption.”
Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “Thank you.”
Mr. Milton Batiste, Superintendent stated, “If you want to know the last time in 1986
that increased high school millage was used to build North West High, Beau Chene High
and North Central High at that time.”
Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards stated, “Thank you Mr. Batiste.”

Public Works Report:
Mr. Barry Soileau, Public Works Director addressed the council. He stated, “For the
month of February we:

Boom Axed 1 Roads
Culvert Cleaned 7 Roads
Culvert Installation 17 Roads
Debris Removal 27 Roads
Ditching 5 Roads
Grading 60 Roads
Grass Cutting 4 Road
Material Spreading 3 Roads
Patching 32 Roads
Sign Installation 22 Roads
Tree Removal 7 Roads
Washout 12 Roads

We also removed over 250 tires from bayous and canals in the parish last month. Not to
mentions stoves, refrigerators and pieces of cars.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Mr. Barry, Mr. Bellard, I want to thank you and your
crew for the clean-up and the removal of the trees due to last month’s storm. I had
several trees down in my area and I know that trees were down all over the parish but I
want to thank you for the promptness that you all gave. Tell them thank you very much.
We appreciate you all.”
Councilman Ernest Blanchard questioned, “Mr. Bellard, on HWY 190, Bayou Teche
are we going to get to that soon?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes, so right now that money that came in from
the projects on the west side they are digging those canals that go into Bayou Des
Cannes. After that is done they are going to start the process of cleaning up at the bridge
itself. They have been monitoring that and picking up. The state have been monitoring
and picking up as well it is just so much of it and it is steadily coming.”
Councilman Ernest Blanchard stated, “They did not pick it up for about one year and
you all had to go out there and clean it.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is what I am saying. Since then they have
been monitoring it and picking it up as they go. The state have and we have also.”
Councilman Ernest Blanchard questioned, “Is that some of that appropriated money
that you went and got in Washington DC??”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No this is from DOTD and the state.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Do you have an update on that clean up
that we were going to assist that drainage board?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes, the board ask that we help them with that
project. Yesterday afternoon we finally got some movement on it. It is not just that
particular spot but behind where the concrete plants are we are finding out that the
concrete company are dumping their washout into the canals and blocking our drainage.
We are having to address that issue as well. I don’t know how we are going to fix that
problem but that is one of the major reason why the west side of HWY 182 it is blocked
up because the concrete company are washing out their trucks and the concrete have
blocked everything. It will be a matter of the city pipes that cross the canal, I don’t why
they have that but those pipes that are sewer lines and water lines that cross the canals
and there are so many feet above the top and it is blocked so we are having issues with
that but we are going to clean it up but it will be an ongoing project on that one.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “How are we going to handle the concrete
company dumping their waste? Is that legal?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I was made aware of this on yesterday. I will be
talking to the concrete company. I know in Eunice Babineaux use theirs and they sell it.
Why not just do the same thing. Why block our drainage is what I am saying? I will be
addressing that issue with the as well.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “The issue with the dumping of the concrete, I
spoke with Mr. Barry about the Washington Road, HWY 182 on both sides. It is
horrible.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “They will start doing some work on the west
side to alleviate that problem where the concrete plants are then they will jump on the
other side and start the project. That is coming into the city of Opelousas. We will be
working with the Mayor on that one.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “It is horrible that waste is at a standstill on both
sides. I talked to the state and I was wondering if you all had any feedback. We will wait
and see I guess. That is all that I have.”
A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Ernest
Blanchard to accept the Public Works Report.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Ernest Blanchard.
NAYS: None. ABSENT: Jody White and Vivian Olivier. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

Forward all applications received for two appointments for a two year term to
Coulee Croche Fire Protection District No. 4. (04-20-2024 – 04-20-2026).
A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Ernest
Blanchard to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 to
forward all applications received for two appointments for a two-year term to Coulee
Croche Fire Protection District No. 4. (04-20-2024 – 04-20-2026).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Ernest Blanchard.
NAYS: None. ABSENT: Jody White and Vivian Olivier. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.
Discuss placing a Speed Bump on the East Side and a Speed Bump on the West Side
of the Curvy Section near the address of 567 Dufilho Road. (Councilman Dexter
Brown).
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “On two occasions we had individuals traveling down
Dufilho Road at a high rate of speed. It is like an ‘S’ shape figure in the road. I guess
they don’t anticipate how the road curves. On August 13th, 2025 and January 29th, 2026
there were two incidents in that section near 567 Dufilho Road where Mr. Jerome
Robertson stays. On the first incident a Honda Accord hit the ditch and went into his
yard and did damage to the yard. On the second incident a utility truck lost control and
hit the telephone pole and knocked power out down Dufilho Road and other places. If
we could do a feasibility study and we are not in the habit right now of putting speed
bumps because it is tearing up our roads but if we could do some type of feasibility study
whereas we could slow that traffic down. I know the first step is getting the sheriff
department to monitor and control the speed on that road. I would like for you to look
into it Mr. Bellard and Mr. Barry and see what would be the best solution to try and slow
that traffic down in that area.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We will get with them and see if we could
maybe put that trailer out there to see what the estimated and average speed is and
hopefully fix that problem but at the end of the day it will be enforcement.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I believe that speed limit down that road is 35 m.p.h.

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “They must be doing about 50 m.p.h.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I have been having problem with Jennings
Road, McNeese Street and Graham Street and I could name about 100 of them. I thought
we had voted there were going to be no more speed bumps. I would appreciate it if Mr.
Brown would get it then maybe I can get it too.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Let me just give you all a little feedback on
speed bumps. Speed bumps don’t work, bottom line. If we don’t put speed bumps that
are high enough to slow the traffic down then it will damage vehicles and we will be held
liable for something. I am not in favor of speed bumps. If you look at the study and you
go fast enough you don’t even feel them anymore. The speed bumps don’t work and we
need enforcement. I think that is the only way to stop it from happening. I know on
Jennings Road we did a study and it came back with some people doing over 100 miles
per hour.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “The best I could get was speed limits and
nobody follows the law anymore.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Nope and I agree. I agree.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Jennings Road is a major throughway from
Grand Coteau all the way for people coming to work and it is bad. If you all decide just
let me know, I would like to have a study done also.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “I would like to understand the situation. It looks like it
is an ‘S’ shape type curb. With that being said there is no signage to notify people of that
coming up? It is a parish road, right.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes, they do have signs.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “You have indicated that people don’t know about it. If
they observe and they watch the sign they would know there is an “S” curb, right. What
is the speed limit in that curb?”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I want to say just on the road itself it is 35 m.p.h.”
Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “There is no slowing down before you get to the ‘S’
curb.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No sir. It is all 35 m.p.h.”
Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “Can we consider lowering the speed?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We can. At the end of the day I agree. I think if
we tell them it needs to be 25 m.p.h. instead of 35 m.p.h. then they may do 35. I am just
going to be honest with everybody here we need enforcement on these parish roads. We
need to give out some tickets and we need people to understand that you have to slow
down. Speed bumps and Speed Cameras are not going to work until they get stopped and
they get a ticket and hopefully they might slow down. The majority of the people that are
complaining are the ones that are living down that road and they are going to be speeding
to.”

How is drainage being addressed in the Parish? (Councilwoman Mildred Thierry).
Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “Mr. Bellard, I know a lot have been done and is
being done but just for the benefit of the public to know where we are would you tell us
what is being done continuously to address the drainage issues in the parish.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “As everybody knows the drainage is a major
problem. It is actually getting better as we go along because we are doing a lot of extra
work with the help of the Federal Government and the State Government that is giving us

money to do that. We just came back from Washington DC last weekend and we applied
for $3,000,000.00 to finish Bayou Mallet and Bayou Carron and do some other drainage
projects in the parish. Since we have done those two projects the reign we did get if
flowing. We see a lot of help with that and we are very encouraged. We are not going to
stop digging and we are not going to stop cleaning. I say digging but with certain things
you have to just clean. The core won’t let you dig but you can clean so I have to be
careful with the wording but for the most part we do a lot. We did get $5,500,000.00 to
do a Detention Pond which will be done in District 9 off of Country Ridge Road. That is
the only project that was actually approved by the Federal and the State Government.
That has been 3 years in the making so that is going to help that area. We have a lot of
different areas in the parish that we have to do as they come up we try and address them.
In Eunice we received $300,000.00 from the State Appropriations to do some Laterals in
Eunice that goes to Bayou Des Cannes. Everyone is seeing some extra that comes from
monies from the Federal and the State.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Last year I think you all secured
$4,000,000.00. Did you all use all of that towards drainage? When you all went to
Washington DC.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Last year we had $1,000,000.00 that was used o
Bayou Mallet and Bayou Carron from the state. We had applied for $870,000.00 with
Senator Kennedy and it did not get passed Senator Kennedy’s Office. This year we
applied for $3,000.000.00 through Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Cleo Fields
office and it is moving forward.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I remembered $4,000,000.00 a couple of years
ago but that is fine.”
Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Mr. Bellard, when are they going to start the
Retention Pond? Are you going to bid it out?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Right now it is with William and them. At the
final stage of that process or the next stage. It is going to be a little extra work on them
because we have to actually purchase some land.”
Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Have you purchased the property from Sandoz
yet?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Oh no we have not done anything yet. I think
that will be one of the hurdles that we need to cross.”
Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Thank you.”

Discuss Broadband in Rural Areas. (Councilwoman Mildred Thierry).
Councilwoman Mildred Thierry questioned, “Mr. Bellard there are some concerns in the
rural areas. Those roads that are off of those little roads they still have not receive any
type of service and they are concerned if it is possible that they will ever be serviced?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I did have a meeting two weeks ago with the
State. They received more money from the Feds for that purpose. Their object and their
main goal is to have fiber to the home, however there are some areas think the parish that
are is going to have internet but it might not be fiber directly to the home but they will
have high speed internet by the towers and everything else but their goal is to have high
speed fiber to the home. They get so many billions of dollars but they are working. We
just got LSUE as a Hub for LUS or Lafayette Fiber a couple of weeks ago. They will
start branching out. A lot of Eunice is on the new fiber. All of the projects that were
awarded as far as on our side have been complete. They still have the GUMBO Plan and
all the rest of those plans. There are several plans out there that companies are doing
work on. It is happening but it just have a lot of ground to cover.”
Update on Smooth Ride Home. (Councilwoman Mildred Thierry).

Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “Where are we with that? I know that most of
what is being collected is probably going towards the bonds. Could you update us?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I have been telling Barry to get some roads done
and Barry says he does not want to do them.”
Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “Barry, why you don’t want to do those roads.
You know that we need to do those roads Barry.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Actually as the money comes in we are trying to
do as many roads as we can. A lot is going to the bond which is good, we can pay off the
bond. The leftovers is for drainage and for roads. We are doing some roads it just takes
a lot of time for that money to come and to build up enough to do a project.”
Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “We have about 2-3 years left?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Until 2029.”

Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee.
None.
Adjourn.
A motion was made by Councilman Alvin Stelly, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred
Thierry to adjourn the Public Works Committee.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Ernest Blanchard.
NAYS: None. ABSENT: Jody White and Vivian Olivier. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

(SECOND MEETING)
ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2026
OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.

OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor called this meeting of the
Administrative/Finance Committee of the St. Landry Parish Council to order.
Roll Call: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown
and Timmy Lejeune. Ex-Officio: Wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: None.
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I think Mr. Marks would like
to amend the agenda.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “I would like this committee to consider advertising for a
position, a resignation letter was sent in by Dale Polozola Road District 6 and based off
the timing it takes to get approval to apply for applications and fill the void, they are
asking me if we can go ahead and pass this to full council for Ms. Sherell to advertise
now.”
Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Mr. Ken you can add anything at the bottom of the
agenda at the committee meeting. It says at the bottom of the sheet any other business
brought to you before this committee.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “No we do not have it on ours but we have it on the
previous one.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It is on your agenda also number 11.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “So your motion is to amend
the agenda to accept the resignation of Mr. Dale Polozola and a motion to advertise for his
replacement.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “That is correct.”
A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Ken
Marks to amend agenda to advertise for one appointment to District 6 Public Works.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown
and Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

Person to address the Committee.
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. LaFleur texted me before the meeting and
stated he is not able to attend but we can call him on the phone and talk to him. I was
talking to Chairman Ardoin earlier and maybe it is best to push it back to the next
committee meeting so we can have him present.”
A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Ken Marks
to forward to next committee meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 to invite Mr.
Eric LaFleur to come and address the council regarding the Walmart Payment In Lieu of
Taxes.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown
and Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.
Parish President & Finance Reports:
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Like you all heard on the previous committee
meetings, we went to D.C. and we applied for 3 million dollars for drainage projects in
our parish specifically to complete the projects on Bayou Mallet and Bayou Carron along
with other projects that become available. The trip was a success when it comes to
making these things happen, I want to also note that since we been going to D.C. meeting
with Senator Cassidy office, we have helped to change some of these laws regarding
Medicaid and the Inmates. Five years ago we started this process with Senator Cassidy
office and since then Medicaid has agreed to foot the bill on juveniles both medically and
mentally. At first it was just the mental side now they do both medical and mental. On the
adults mental, now if an adult inmate is in the hospital more than 24 hours Medicaid will
pick up that bill. So you all know as well as I do that will be a big help for us when it
comes to the medical bills so I just want to give a big shot out to Senator Cassidy office
and his team for working with us. Not only do they try to get us money coming down
here but they listen to us and our problems we have and try to address them as well as
Representative Cleo Fields and the delegation over there. We did good and will continue
trying to get things done and hopefully we can make some more progress.”
Councilman Ken Marks asked, “Mr. Chairman, thank you. Mr. President, Do we have
any other projects in the plan for drainage? I remember when John Bell Edwards had
submitted a state initiative for getting rid of flood waters. Henderson did there deal as far
as opening up those pipe line to get the flow to move. A discussion was at the blocks
remit canal live but the core is the basic individuals that have to approve or disapprove
but the point I am getting at is remit canal has never been dredged. We would increase
the flow dramatically by trying to channel not so much the whole wide deal of it but at
least have water to be moving at a faster rate to get rid of this excess water.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “So I can tell you dealing with the federal dollars
and FEMA for mitigation and everything else, FEMA is totally against us doing anything
to make the water move faster down South. They do not want us to make our water go
any faster down South than what we are doing because they do not want to flood down
South and I totally get that and understand that. However, we still have the issues in our
parish as well as Evangeline and Rapids as well as everywhere else. We got together with

Acadia Planning Commission to make a regional concept approach from Evangeline
parish all the way down to the Gulf and come up with a plan and asking them to fund it.
Hopefully that will be part of the project to get that going.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “So if I may inject here we don’t want to flood our
neighbors to the South but the initiative is to start cleaning from the Gulf up then we you
get to our area the water won’t have a place to go. Is that correct?”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Taylor and I talk about this on a regular
basis on this water shed if we can lower that down and have that as a reserve to put water
but we cannot get the core to allow us to drop it down just an extra couple of inches. That
is the most common sense approach but they do not want us to do that. It is difficult.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “So there is no alternative, whatever the Core says is law
and that is definitive.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Unless there is something else that we are
missing.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “I don’t know what else we can do. We would have to
yield to a higher authority, I don’t know.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I know that the Planning Commission is
developing a plan to do a Regional Approach on that drainage.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “We will be getting that information as well.”
Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes sir.”
A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Ken
Marks to accept the Parish President & Finance Report:
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown
and Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion carried.

Forward all applications received for one appointment for a five-year term to the
St. Landry Agricultural Arena Authority. (03-17-2021 – 03-17-2026).
Mr. Lonnie J. Carriere has resigned.
A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Faltery
Jolivette to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 all
applications received for one appointment for a five-year term the St. Landry Agricultural
Arena Authority. (03-17-2021 – 03-17-2026).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown
and Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.
Discuss moving precinct 24 and Precinct 25 from the Yambilee Building to
Opelousas Junior High. Precincts to be placed in the newest building north of the
Cafeteria. (Councilman Dexter Brown.)
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I have these two precincts at the Yambilee Building
in the Lobby area. It is a great location but whenever the Yambilee building is rented the
people and whatever activity that is going on they have to go on the back side of the
auditorium to come in and exit from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. I called Mr. Milton Batiste,
Superintendent of the St. Landry Parish Schools because I had a concern with the possible
closing of Opelousas Junior High School moving to Opelousas Senior High School what
would happen to the campus and the building at Opelousas Junior High School. He
assured me that it would still be operational for years to come. It would make these
buildings annexed for different departments that they have housed in the school board and
at the Pupil Appraisal Center. The campus itself and the building would be operational.
They have two precincts there already just south of Elementary Lane but they have a

newer building that was built around 2003 or 2004, whenever they had the consolidation
between Opelousas Junior High School and East Junior High School. I want to move
those two precincts there. It is ADA Accessible and the people can park under the bus
ramp when they are in a wheelchair. They can park under the bus ramp and roll to the
building, everything is flat and it is handicapped accessible. It is a great location and
everything is covered. If it is raining you would not get wet or snowed on or whatever it
may be.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Is that the same precinct that was moved
from South West and from Living Waters? Is that the same one that you had at South
West then Living Waters and now you want to move it to Opelousas Junior High?”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Yes Ma’am, I had to move it from Living Waters
Community Chapel because Mr. Nathaniel Thierry said he did not have a Custodian to
open and close the building during the election time, everything was on him. So that is
when I seek another location at the Yambilee Building and it was a great venue to have the
election at. That is when I ran into a little bump in the road. Whenever the Yambilee
Building was rented from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. anyone that had rented the building had
to go from the south side to the back of the building.”
Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I understand Mr. Brown. I was just asking
because I know some of the constituents on that southwest end of town and I was just
asking about the convenience but that is your district that is fine I just want to know if that
was the same precinct.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “It is not my district it is just the district that I
represent and I love my constituents of District 10.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor questioned, “Have you thought about
checking with the Clerk of Court and maybe the Registrar of Voters before we take action
on this to get their input on how this may affect the State Protocol?”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I did and Ms. Debra Sostand called me on it. She
wanted to know all of the disabilities and the ADA aspects of the building where I was
trying to move it to. That is when I assured her that the venue in the building that I was
moving it too was all ADA accessible and everything was all cleared.”
Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “Mr. Brown, is the school board going to be
responsible for opening the venue for you for elections?”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Yes Sir.”
Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “Bathroom accessibility is important for our
constituents there. What if the building is sold and no longer available then what do we
do?”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Both building have a lounge area and a restroom
facility. They also have a classroom where we hold the machines. You are asking if the
buildings are sold but as of right now, I spoke with the Superintendent there is no
discussion for the sale of the buildings.”
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “That was my only concern.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Did you just say that this
school would probably not be a school?”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “On Thursday, in two days they basically will vote
and merge the Junior High Campus the 7 and 8 graders to Opelousas Senior High School.
The Superintendent applied for a Grade Configuration Change of Opelousas Senior High
School from 9 -12 grade through the superintendent Dr. Brumerly through 7-12 because it
would be feasible to move the 7 graders to the high school and economically as well.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “You think we could delay this
for one month and see how that shapes out?”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I don’t have a problem with rolling it over to next
month for the April Committee Meeting. I will pull this motion for this month and place it
on the agenda for April.”

Forward to Full Council: RESOLUTION No. 002-2026.
Resolution No. 002-2026 will be re-discussed at the April Committee Meeting
RESOLUTION NO. 002-2026 PULLED
A RESOLUTION TO REASSIGN THE POLLING LOCATION FOR

PRECINCTS 24 and 25

WHEREAS, The current polling location for Precincts 24 and 25 is the Yambilee
Building located at 1939 W. Landry St., Opelousas, and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the St. Landry Parish Council to reassign Precincts 24 and
25 to a newer facility, and
WHEREAS, The St. Landry Parish Council wishes to assign the polling location for
Precincts 24 and 25 to the new building located north of the cafeteria on the Opelousas
Junior High campus, located at 730 S. Market St., Opelousas.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the St. Landry Parish Council, in
Regular Session assembled, does hereby reassign the following polling location for
Precincts 24 and 25 as follows:
From: Yambilee Building at 1939 W. Landry St., Opelousas
To: Opelousas Junior High new building at 730 S. Market St., Opelousas,
and with said Opelousas Junior High School polling location being used currently as the
polling location for Precincts 26 and 26-A and thus qualifies as a consolidated polling
location for Precincts 24 and 25 under applicable State statutes.:

Forward to Full Council: RESOLUTION No. 003-2026.
A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Faltery
Jolivette to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 to Adopt
Resolution No. 003-2026.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and
Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Nancy Carriere. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

RESOLUTION NO. 003-2026

consent and authority for the District to hold the aforesaid election, and in the event that
the election carries to continue to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein; and
WHEREAS, as required by Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State of
Louisiana of 1974, it is now the desire of this Parish Council to approve the holding of
said election and in the event that the election carries, to authorize the District to continue
to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish Council of the Parish of
St. Landry, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of said Parish, that:
SECTION 1. In compliance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 15 of the
Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and in accordance with the request of the
Board of Commissioners of Bellevue and Coulee Croche Gravity Drainage District No. 20
of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, this Parish Council hereby approves the holding of an
election in the District, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at which election there will be
submitted the following proposition, to-wit:

PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

Shall Bellevue and Coulee Croche Gravity Drainage District No. 20 of St. Landry
Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 7.84 mills on
all the property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $210,000
reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an
entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending
with the year 2036, for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, operating and
improving the Gravity Drainage Works in the District?
SECTION 2. In the event the election carries, this Parish Council does hereby further
consent to and authorize the District to continue to levy and collect the special tax
provided for therein.

Forward to Full Council: RESOLUTION No. 004-2026.
A motion was made by Councilman Faltery Jolivette, seconded by Councilman Ken
Marks to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 to Adopt
Resolution No. 004-2026.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and
Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Nancy Carriere. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

RESOLUTION NO. 004-2026

WHEREAS, as required by Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State of
Louisiana of 1974, it is now the desire of this Parish Council to approve the holding of
said election and in the event that the election carries, to authorize the District to continue
to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish Council of the Parish of
St. Landry, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of said Parish, that:
SECTION 1. In compliance with the provisions of Article VI, Section 15 of the
Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and in accordance with the request of the
Board of Commissioners of Fire Protection District No. 6 of the Parish of St. Landry,
State of Louisiana, this Parish Council hereby approves the holding of an election in the
District, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at which election there will be submitted the
following proposition, to-wit:

PROPOSITION
(TAX CONTINUATION)

Shall Fire Protection District No. 6 of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana
(the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 5.16 mills (the “Tax”) on all
property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $198,000 reasonably
expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year),
for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year
2036, for the purpose of maintaining and operating fire protection facilities,
purchasing firefighting equipment and paying the cost of obtaining water for fire
protection purposes, provided that a portion of the Tax proceeds is required to be
contributed to state and statewide retirement systems as provided in R. S. 11:82,
said millage to represent a 0.64 mills increase (due to reappraisal) over the 4.52
mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2026 pursuant to an election
held on November 21, 2015?
SECTION 2. In the event the election carries, this Parish Council does hereby further
consent to and authorize the District to continue to levy and collect the special tax
provided for therein.

Forward to Full Council: RESOLUTION No. 005-2026.
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor questioned, “Is this a Bridge Projet?”
Mr. Barry Soileau, Public Works Director stated, “Yes.”
A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman
Ken Marks to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 to
Adopt Resolution No. 005-2026.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown
and Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded.

RESOLUTION NO. 005-2026

WHEREAS, there are documents and requests that St. Landry Parish Government needs
to sign regarding any and all contracts on behalf of the Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development involving the following projects: State Project No.
H.015505 (Solid Waste Road over Bayou Boeuf) and State Project No. H.015510
(Phillip Street over Bayou Yarbor).
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the St. Landry Parish Council that the St.
Landry Parish President, Jessie Bellard, is authorized to sign any and all documents and
requests on behalf of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
involving the following projects: State Project No. H.015505 (Solid Waste Road over
Bayou Boeuf) and State Project No. H.015510 (Phillip Street over Bayou Yarbor).

Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee.

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I would like our Legal Counsel to look into a class
action lawsuit. Garett, I will give you some information on it tomorrow. I was talking
with a guy named Stephen Acquario. He is with the New Your State Association of
Counties. At the meeting that I was in at NACO he was discussing the cost of Fire
Trucks. He said that they had 3 main fire truck manufacturers that were over charging
everyone in the United States higher prices for Fire Trucks. Right now they have a class
action lawsuit regarding the cost of the three main companies and I will give that
information to you tomorrow.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “One of the things I will hinge on is: When
was the last time you bought a fire truck? How much did it cost? Once you file a lawsuit
you receive the damage from being over charged and then you will receive compensation
for the over charge. It is sort of like when we had the insulin lawsuit. You can collect
from the class action lawsuit as long as we had parish government employees on insulin.
With the fire trucks you would have to have purchased a fire truck at some time recently
or whenever and be overcharged for the fire truck. With that being said you could spell
his first name and his last name for me.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “His name is Stephen Acquario. He is with the New
York State Association of Counties. They basically are in the class action lawsuit as well.
I forgot how many years back that we could file. I know that we brought several new fire
trucks in the last 10 years. I will have to get with the fire chief to see how many trucks
that we brought and from where? It is the three major companies, the manufacturers of
fire trucks that basically overcharged the people in the United States for the cost of the fire
trucks.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “Again, if you purchased the fire truck during
this time of over pricing you will see that you were overcharged and you can collect and
join the class action lawsuit. We would have to look into that.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Regarding the Insulin situation, he also stated, just
like you said about the parish government employees on insulin, it is the people of St.
Landry Parish who are on insulin where we can join that class action lawsuit. It is just not
the Parish Government Employees.”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “We attempted to get in the class action lawsuit
but the Class Action Lawsuit Attorney discovered that we did not have enough people on
insulin.”
Councilman Dexter Brown questioned, “Is that is just with Parish Government
Employees or is that with the people of St. Landry Parish?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “We were asked to enter into the insulin class
action lawsuit which is a natural lawsuit in federal court. In this particular case if you
were overcharge for the fire truck or more than one then you would have entry to this class
action lawsuit but I have his contact name.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I will get the law firm that he had discussed, I will get
that to you. Thank you.”
Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “Mr. Brown, do you know the name or the
location of these 3 major fire truck builders? Do you know where they are at? It would be
a lot easier if we knew it. We could call the Fire District within our parish and ask if any
of you all bought a fire truck from this particular company?”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I can call Mr. Stephen tomorrow. I have his cell
phone number and I can get that information to you and Mr. Garett tomorrow morning.”
Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “I am just asking.”
Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “No, I am just telling you. I will get you that
information.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Then maybe you can get in touch with the fire
station and find out.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor questioned, “Are you going to look
into it Counsel?”
Legal Counsel Garett Duplechain stated, “I have his name and number.”
Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “You will also come up with a
budget that it will cost us to do this if we decide to do this, right. Do I have a motion to
adjourn?”
Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “Mr. Chairman, we also need a motion to authorize
to advertise for Public Works District 6 position.
Councilman Ken Marks stated, “I thought we did that at the beginning of the meeting.”
Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “We voted to amend the agenda at the beginning of
the meeting.”
A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Faltery
Jolivette to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 to
authorize the Council Clerk to accept the resignation letter and advertise for one
appointment for the remainder of a four-year term to the Public Works Commission
District 6. Mr. Dale Polozola has resigned. (10-20-2024 -10-20-2028).
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and
Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Nancy Carriere. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded

Adjourn.
A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Faltery
Jolivette to adjourn the Administrative/Finance Committee Meeting.
On roll call vote: YEAS: Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and
Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Nancy Carriere. ABSTAINED: None.
Motion forwarded
I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE EXACT AND TRUE

SHERELL JORDAN, COUNCIL CLERK
KAREN BARLOW, ASSISTANT COUNCIL CLERK

XIII. ADJOURN