SLP Council Regular Meeting

AGENDA

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 @ 6:00 P.M. OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST.

OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & INVOCATION (Councilman Dexter Brown)

CALL TO ORDER

II.

III.

IV.

√.

VI.

ROLL CALL:

CONDOLENCES:

PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Regular Meeting: August 19th, 2026

VII.

•

Special Meeting: September 8, 2026

PARISH PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

VIII.

NEW BUSINESS:

*Items passed through committee.

St. Landry Parish Council to serve as the Board of Review for anyone present + wishing to file a protest in reference to his or her property values.

AUTHORIZE THE PRELIMINARY APPROVAL SHOWING 4.29 ACRES OF RESIDENTIAL TRACT OF LAND BEING PARTITIONED AS LOTS 1-11 FOR “METES & BOUNDS MCCARTHY ACRES SUBDIVISION, ‘PHASE 1” LOCATED NORTHEAST R.O.W ALONG HWY 357 AND MCCARTHY LANE OPELOUSAS, LA SITUATED IN SECTION 92, 93, AND 94, TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST IN ST. LANDRY PARISH.

Authorize the council clerk to advertise for one appointment to Fire District No. 2 for the remainder of a two-year term. (05-15-2025 05-15-2027).

–

Authorize permission for Mr. Logan Lawson and Andrea Davis to get a permit for a variance to move his mobile home trailer on his property located at 452 Credeur Road Sunset, La 70584.

Authorize permission for Ms. Mariccha Joubert to move a 1998 mobile home pending inspection from St. Landry Parish Government on her property located at 1022 Cotton Patch Lane, Whiteville, La.

Authorize permission to grant Ms. Tricia Andrus a 100-foot variance to get a permit for her mobile home trailer located on her property at 136 Unity Drive Opelousas, La 70570.

7. Approval to construct a newly proposed Telecommunications Faciltiy (AT&T) located at 17331 Hwy 190 Port Barre, La 70577 (Parcel 0105722000A). The proposed facility will be a 230-foot self-supporting lattice tower with a 10-foot lightning arrestor, located within a 50×50 fenced area on the property.

10.

Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for three appointments to Fire District No. 7 for a one-year term and four appointments for a two-year term.

(09-19-2026-09-19-2027), (09-19-2026-09-19-2028), (11-18-2026-11-18-2027), and (11-18-2026 -11-18-2028).

Vote to appoint Benjamin Bellard for one appointment to Acadia- St. Landry Hospital Service for a six-year term. (10-01-2026 – 10-01-2032).

Update on information regarding a list of Contractors Hired by St. Landry Parish Government and Professional Fees charged, Parish Vehicles and Fuel Costs, and Employee Overtime.

IX.

ORDINANCES TO BE INTRODUCED:

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-030

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)

X. ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED:

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-029

(Sponsored by: Councilman Faltery Jolivette)

An ordinance to authorize the incurring of debt and issuance of a Revenue Note of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana, in an amount not to exceed Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

WHEREAS, the Parish Council of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana (the “Parish“), desires to authorize the Parish to incur debt and issue its not to exceed Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) Revenue Note, Series 2026 (the “Note“) in the manner authorized and provided by Section 1430 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority (the “Act“), for the purpose of (i) paying current expenses of the Parish during the term of the Note and (ii) paying the costs of issuance of the Note; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Parish Council of the Parish of St. Landry, State of Louisiana (the “Parish Council“), acting, acting as the governing authority thereof, that:

SECTION 1. Authorization of Revenue Note. Under the terms of the Act, the Parish is hereby authorized to incur debt for the purpose of paying current expenses of the Parish during the term of the Note, in anticipation of the revenues accruing to the Parish during the term of the Note, and to represent said indebtedness, the Parish shall issue its Revenue Note, Series 2026 (the “Note“). The Note shall mature on the date and bear interest at the rate as set forth in the Note, which interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The Note shall be issued in the form of a single fully registered note, dated the date of delivery thereof to the Lender (as defined below) and numbered R-1. The principal of the Note shall be subject to prepayment at any time, in whole or in part at the option of the Parish upon five (5) Business Days’ notice to the Lender (as defined below), at a price of par plus accrued interest to the date of prepayment. The purchase price of the Note shall be advanced to the Parish by the Lender as installments, and interest shall accrue from the date of the receipt of each such installment and not prepaid by the Parish. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Note may be issued in multiple subseries, each of which shall constitute part of the Note authorized hereunder.

SECTION 2. Form and Execution of Note. The Note shall be in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, with such additions, omissions and changes as may be

necessary, and the Clerk of the Parish Council and the Parish President (the “Authorized Officers“) are each authorized and directed on behalf of the Parish to execute, seal and deliver the Note to the Lender (as defined below).

SECTION 3. Security for Note. The Note will be secured by and payable from a pledge of all revenues accruing to the Parish during the term of the Note, until the Note is paid in full in accordance with its terms, all in accordance with the provisions of the Act and other constitutional and statutory authority.

SECTION 4. Award of Note. The Parish hereby authorizes the Chairman of the Parish Council or the Parish President to accept the offer to purchase (the, “Term Sheet“) submitted by qualified lender (the, “Lender“), in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto (all the terms and provisions of which shall be incorporated herein by reference), such Term Sheet being expressly subject to any parameters included in this Ordinance and the approval parameters of the State Bond Commission. Terms of the Term Sheet not expressly stated in this Ordinance are hereby approved and adopted as if fully set forth herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, as a condition to the delivery of the Note to the Lender, the Lender will execute a standard letter, acceptable to it and the Parish, indicating (i) it has conducted its own analysis with respect to the Note, (ii) it is extending credit in the form of the Note as a vehicle for making a commercial loan to the Parish, and (iii) it intends to hold the Note until maturity, provided that the Lender retains the right at any time to dispose of the Note or any interest therein or portion thereof, but agrees that any such sale, transfer or distribution by the Lender shall be made in accordance with applicable law and only to (a) an affiliate of the Lender; or (b) one or more banks, entities directly or indirectly controlled by a bank or under common control with a bank, other than a broker dealer or municipal securities dealer, which certifies that it is a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

SECTION 5. Authorization of Officers. The Parish President and the Chairman and Clerk of the Parish Council are each hereby further authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish, to accept, receive, execute, seal, attest and deliver all such documents, certificates and other instruments as are required in connection with the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Note and to take such further action as may be appropriate or required by law or advised by bond counsel or the municipal advisor in connection with the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Note.

SECTION 6. Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions of this Ordinance or of the Note shall for any reason be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provisions of this Ordinance or of the Note, but this Ordinance and the Note shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained therein. Any constitutional or statutory provisions enacted after the date of this Ordinance which validate or make legal any provision of the Ordinance and/or the Note which would not otherwise be valid or legal, shall be deemed to apply to this Ordinance and to the Note.

SECTION 7. Disclosure Under SEC Rule 15c2-12. The Parish will not be required to comply with the continuing disclosure requirements described in Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange Commission [17 CFR 240.15c2-12].

SECTION 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately.

XI. RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED:

RESOLUTION NO. 016-2026

WHEREAS, there are documents and requests that St. Landry Parish Government needs to sign regarding Capital Outlay projects administered through Facility Planning and Control,

Division of Administration;

WHEREAS, there may be circumstances in which the cost of a Capital Outlay project

administered through Facility Planning and Control, Division of Administration, exceeds the

agreed upon costs;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Government is serving as a pass-through entity for the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office for the Capital Outlay Project identified as 50-J49-26-01, District Attorney Building Chiller Replacement, Planning and Construction; WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office has committed to any funding match amounts required through Facility Planning and Control, Division of Administration for Capital Outlay Project 50-J49-26-01, District Attorney Building Chiller Replacement, Planning and Construction.

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER 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 for state disbursements pertaining to Capital Outlay Project 50-J49-26-01, District Attorney Building Chiller Replacement, Planning and Construction administered through Facility Planning and Control, Division of Administration.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the St. Landry Parish Council that St. Landry Parish Government is serving as a pass-through entity for the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office for Capital Outlay Project 50-J49-26-01, District Attorney Building Chiller Replacement, Planning and Construction and will not be responsible for any costs for this

project;

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office is committed to dedicating any amount of construction and change orders, if any, to cover all costs that exceed State funding for Capital Outlay project 50-J49-26-01, District Attorney Building Chiller Replacement, Planning and Construction, administered through Facility Planning and Control, Division of Administration.

RESOLUTION NO. 017-2026

FEMA Temporary Housing and Shelter Assistance Program

Expedited Temporary Housing Assistance Waiver for Land Use and Permitting

WHEREAS, hurricane season in Louisiana presents unique and diverse obstacles for parish and municipal governments and their residents; and

WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer programs to assist recovery efforts after storms; and

WHEREAS, one such program is the Temporary Housing and Shelter Assistance Program, which, once activated in the parish, allows homeowners to place a temporary housing unit next to their damaged homes; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and FEMA have been directed by Louisiana Act 526 to make the process of activating and implementing the Temporary Housing and Shelter Assistance Program as quick and seamless as possible and have created the Expedited Temporary Housing Assistance Waiver for Land Use and Permitting to allow homeowners to install temporary shelters; and

WHEREAS, Louisiana Act 526 requires parishes and municipalities to opt in to or opt out of the waiver each year and return the completed waivers to the parish office of homeland security and emergency preparedness.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on this 16th day of September 2026, that the St. Landry Parish Council authorizes the Parish President to select one of the following options for the 2026-2027 program year:

[ ] OPT IN to the waiver

[ ] OPT OUT of the waiver

The selection will be reevaluated in September 2027. The waiver will take effect only if the Temporary Housing and Shelter Assistance Program is activated following a presidential emergency declaration for St. Landry Parish.

RESOLUTION NO. 018-2026

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Community Action, operating under St. Landry Parish Government, desires to apply for the FY 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) grant; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages individuals age 55 and older in meaningful volunteer activities that address community needs and provide opportunities for older adults to remain active and civically engaged; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Community Action seeks to recruit, place, coordinate, and support AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers in volunteer activities that address community needs and benefit residents of St. Landry Parish; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant requires applicants to provide a match equal to ten percent (10%) of total project costs for the duration of the grant period; and

WHEREAS, the required match may consist of cash and/or in-kind contributions, as permitted by applicable AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant requirements; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Community Action intends to satisfy the applicable ten percent (10%) matching requirement through allowable in-kind contributions and other eligible non- cash resources, as permitted by the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant requirements, and will demonstrate its ability to meet the required match at the time the application is submitted; and

WHEREAS, participation in the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program will expand volunteer services, strengthen community partnerships, and provide valuable services to residents throughout St. Landry Parish;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. Landry Parish Council that St. Landry Parish Community Action, operating under St. Landry Parish Government, is hereby authorized to prepare and submit an application for the FY 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant and, if awarded, to accept and administer the grant in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and grant requirements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parish President, or his/her designee as permitted by applicable law, is hereby authorized to execute and submit the grant application and all certifications, assurances, agreements, grant documents, amendments, reports, and other documents necessary or appropriate for the application, acceptance, implementation, and administration of the FY 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that St. Landry Parish Community Action is authorized to provide the required ten percent (10%) match through allowable in-kind contributions and other eligible non-cash resources, as permitted by the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant requirements.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its

adoption.

RESOLUTION NO. 019-2026

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Government, operating under St. Landry Parish Government, desires to apply for the FY 2027 Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility Technical Assistance Center (CCAM-TAC) Community Rides Pilot Grant Program; and

WHEREAS, the CCAM-TAC Community Rides Pilot Grant Program is intended to strengthen local transportation coordination and partnerships, foster cross–sector service coordination, and improve transportation access for populations with the greatest transportation needs; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Government seeks to serve as the lead agency for the proposed project and to work in formal partnership with transit and non-transit community organizations to address transportation barriers and expand access to healthcare, employment, education, healthy food, social services, and other essential resources; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2027 CCAM-TAC Community Rides Grant provides awards of up to $100,000 per selected grantee for a twelve-month grant-funded project period, following the applicable assessment and planning phase; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2027 CCAM-TAC Community Rides Grant Request for Proposals states that a local match is encouraged, whether in-kind or financial, but is not mandatory unless otherwise specified by applicable regional federal formula guidelines; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Government is not committing or obligated to provide cash or other local matching funds for the proposed project through this Resolution; and

WHEREAS, if allowable under the final grant requirements and appropriate to the project, St. Landry Parish Government may identify and document eligible in-kind contributions or other allowable resources in support of the project; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Government intends to comply with all applicable CCAM-TAC, federal, state, and other grant requirements, including requirements concerning partnerships, Letters of Commitment or Memoranda of Understanding, project implementation, performance measurement, reporting, and sustainability;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. Landry Parish Council that St. Landry Parish Government, operating under St. Landry Parish Government, is hereby authorized to prepare and submit an application for the FY 2027 CCAM-TAC Community Rides Pilot Grant Program and, if awarded, to implement and administer the approved project in accordance with all applicable grant requirements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution does not constitute a commitment by St. Landry Parish Government to provide cash matching funds or other financial support for the FY 2027 CCAM-TAC Community Rides Grant. Any allowable in-kind contribution identified by St. Landry Parish Government shall be subject to applicable grant requirements and shall not create a financial obligation of St. Landry Parish Government beyond any funding or resources separately authorized by the Parish.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

XII.

COMMITTEE MINUTES:

FIRST MEETING

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd, 2026

OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST. OPELOUSAS, LA

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

1. Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor called this meeting of the

Administrative Finance Committee of the St. Landry Parish Council to order.

2. Councilman Ken Mark said the Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation.

3. Roll Call: Nancy Carriere, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and

Timmy Lejeune. Ex–Officio: Wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: Faltery Jolivette. Councilman Faltery Jolivette was absent for roll call but later joined the meeting.

4. Person to Address the Committee.

Mr. Brent Hollier addressed the council. He stated, “I am Brent Hollier. I am with Speck Engineering. My address is 107 Nolan Street, Broussard, LA. I am here because we are asking for Preliminary and Final Plat Approval on a 14-lot Subdivision off of McCarthy Lane. I received the engineers report today and we agree with all of the conditions and comments. We feel that those conditions can be meet fairly quickly so that is why we are asking for Preliminary and Final Plat Approval.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor questioned, “Mr. Bellard, are you okay with the particulars?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes sir. It is on the agenda on Item No. 6 to discuss tonight.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Okay, thank you.”

5. Parish President & Finance Reports:

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “So tonight I have two Resolutions that came in on day before yesterday. Both of them pertains to Community Action. The first Resolution, I think you all have copies of it, it is Resolution No. 018-2026. It is for the AmeriCorps Senior RSVP Program. Basically this is going to pay the mileage for the Seniors to go volunteer and work at different places, volunteer, not get paid. So this is just another program that is available that we are applying for. I need this to be forwarded to the full council for a resolution of support.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Mr. Bellard, I see where Community Action intends to satisfy the applicable 10% matching requirements. They had a negative balance last years, how are we today?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No, Community Action is going through their Grant Program. They don’t have a negative balance at Community Action. We are good at Community Action.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Is that your final report?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No sir, that is just one of them. I need to get a motion from the committee to give to the full council.”

A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Ken Marks to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to Adopt Resolution No. 018-2026.

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. 018-2026

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Community Action, operating under St. Landry Parish Government, desires to apply for the FY 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) grant; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages individuals age 55 and older in meaningful volunteer activities that address community needs and provide opportunities for older adults to remain active and civically engaged; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Community Action seeks to recruit, place, coordinate, and support AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers in volunteer activities that address community needs and benefit residents of St. Landry Parish; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant requires applicants to provide a match equal to ten percent (10%) of total project costs for the duration of the grant period; and

WHEREAS, the required match may consist of cash and/or in-kind contributions, as permitted by applicable AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant requirements; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Community Action intends to satisfy the applicable ten percent (10%) matching requirement through allowable in-kind contributions and other eligible non-cash resources, as permitted by the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant requirements, and will demonstrate its ability to meet the required match at the time the application is submitted; and

WHEREAS, participation in the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program will expand volunteer services, strengthen community partnerships, and provide valuable services to residents throughout St. Landry Parish;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. Landry Parish Council that St. Landry Parish Community Action, operating under St. Landry Parish Government, is hereby authorized to prepare and submit an application for the FY 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant and, if awarded, to accept and administer the grant in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and grant requirements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parish President, or his/her designee as permitted by applicable law, is hereby authorized to execute and submit the grant application and all certifications, assurances, agreements, grant documents, amendments, reports, and other documents necessary or appropriate for the application, acceptance, implementation, and administration of the FY 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that St. Landry Parish Community Action is authorized to provide the required ten percent (10%) match through allowable in–kind contributions and other eligible non-cash resources, as permitted by the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant requirements.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “The next Resolution is 019-2026 also for Community Action. That is another transportation program that we are applying for to get some additional funds to extend the program at Community Action.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “We need a motion on that.”

A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to Adopt Resolution No. 019-2026.

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. 019-2026

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Community Action, operating under St. Landry Parish Government, desires to apply for the FY 2027 Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility Technical Assistance Center (CCAM-TAC) Community Rides Pilot Grant Program; and

WHEREAS, the CCAM-TAC Community Rides Pilot Grant Program is intended to strengthen local transportation coordination and partnerships, foster cross-sector service coordination, and improve transportation access for populations with the greatest transportation needs; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Community Action seeks to serve as the lead agency for the proposed project and to work in formal partnership with transit and non-transit community organizations to address transportation barriers and expand access to healthcare, employment, education, healthy food, social services, and other essential resources; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2027 CCAM-TAC Community Rides Grant provides awards of up to $100,000 per selected grantee for a twelve-month grant–funded project period, following the applicable assessment and planning phase; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2027 CCAM-TAC Community Rides Grant Request for Proposals states that a local match is encouraged, whether in–kind or financial, but is not mandatory unless otherwise specified by applicable regional federal formula guidelines; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Government is not committing or obligated to provide cash or other local matching funds for the proposed project through this Resolution; and

WHEREAS, if allowable under the final grant requirements and appropriate to the project, St. Landry Parish Community Action may identify and document eligible in-kind contributions or other allowable resources in support of the project; and

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Community Action intends to comply with all applicable CCAM-TAC, federal, state, and other grant requirements, including requirements concerning partnerships, Letters of Commitment or Memoranda of Understanding, project implementation, performance measurement, reporting, and sustainability;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. Landry Parish Council that St. Landry Parish Community Action, operating under St. Landry Parish Government, is hereby authorized to prepare and submit an application for the FY 2027 CCAM-TAC Community Rides Pilot Grant Program and, if awarded, to implement and administer the approved project in accordance with all applicable grant requirements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parish President, or his/her designee as permitted by applicable law, is hereby authorized to execute and submit the grant application and all certifications, assurances, agreements, grant documents, amendments, reports, and other documents necessary or appropriate for the application, acceptance, implementation, and administration of the grant.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution does not constitute a commitment by St. Landry Parish Government to provide cash matching funds or other financial support for the FY 2027 CCAM-TAC Community Rides Grant. Any allowable in-kind contribution identified by St. Landry Parish Community Action shall be subject to applicable grant requirements and shall not create a financial obligation of St. Landry Parish Government beyond any funding or resources separately authorized by the Parish.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Mr. Bellard, on that Community Action Resolution 019-2026, which one of the programs is the one that picks up the people and bring them to their doctor’s appointment in a van, is this the Resolution here?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “This is going to be another part of it, correct.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Right now is it fully funded?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No, the program itself is not. The cash fair is where we are lacking on the cash fair, so we are not really doing cash fairs. If you have Medicaid or any type of insurance, that is not a problem, but it is the cash fairs, we have a lot of that in our parish. Until that gets fully funded we are not doing cash fairs.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “None of the transportation have ceased except for the cash fairs?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Correct.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Thank you Mr. Chairman.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Do we have a motion to accept the Parish President’s Report.”

A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune 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.

6. Authorize the Preliminary Approval Showing 4.29 Acres of Residential Tract of

Land being partitioned as lots 1-11 for “Metes & Bounds McCarthy Acres Subdivisions, Phase 1“ located Northeast R. O. W. along HWY 357 and McCarthy Lane Opelousas, LA Situated in Sections 92, 93 and 94 Township 6 South Range 4 East in St. Landry Parish.

A motion was made by Councilman Ken Marks, seconded by Councilman Timmy Lejeune to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to Authorize the Preliminary Approval Showing 4.29 Acres of Residential Tract of Land being partitioned as lots 1-11 for “Metes & Bounds McCarthy Acres Subdivisions, Phase 1” located Northeast R. O. W. along HWY 357 and McCarthy Lane Opelousas, LA Situated in Sections 92, 93 and 94 Township 6 South Range 4 east in St. Landry Parish.

On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None. Motion forwarded.

7. Authorize Legal Attorney to send a letter to the Attorney General for a ruling to see if it is legal to move Road District No. 1 Tax to a Non–Related Road District Expense.

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I think this is your item you placed on the agenda Mr. Stelly. We probably need to change the wording. Mr. Dejean will you handle putting the request together for the Attorney General.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I will get it in the proper language that it needs to be. I just want to let you all know that there is a misconception of what an Attorney General’s Opinion is. It is going to be a recommendation. It is not a legal ruling as if you filed a lawsuit and asked the court for a Declaratory Judgment whether this action can take place. I am not saying that we don’t want to do it I am just letting you all know. Whatever anybody is planning on doing it could be done now because we stand by our opinion of the two recommendations that we made for the council. One was to quit removing money from the Road District 1 fund into the General Fund, stop now. Number two, you all would have to devise a plan to pay it back. That is supported by the law, and it is supported by the Attorney General’s

Opinion we got that were not direct on point but were similar. What I didn’t have last time, I did not read was the auditor, the auditor that came up here who said things to you all, but he wrote them a little bit differently. They are not tragically differently but they support our position. On page 94, you all got the auditor’s report, it is about 100 pages but on page 94 at the bottom of page 94 so you

all can go back and read it. It says 2025-005, improper use of Special Revenue Funds. In accordance with some accounting procedures and generally accepted accounting principles revenues derived from dedicated sales taxes such as those levied for Road District 1 are considered restricted resources when their use is limited by voter approval enabling legislation or parish ordinance. He is basting the same thing we recommended to you all and we relied on what the law is, 39:107 and he is relying on accounting principles. Now you have your attorneys telling you that you can’t do this and you need to come up with a plan to pay it back and now you have your accountant telling you the very same thing. He said a couple of other interesting things. On page 95 at the top of the audit report that you all received about 1 month ago. These resources must be used solely for road-related purposes. For example, Construction Maintenance and improvement of roads within the district as defined in the Tax Proposition. Your auditor is saying the exact same thing as your lawyer. Now

you have the legal opinion, and you have the audit opinion of what is going on in that deal. After talking with Mr. Pete if you all want to send off for an Attorney General’s Opinion it is not going to change your position today, you don’t need an Attorney General’s Opinion even if anyone is contemplating action, I don’t know if anyone is thinking about that. If you want to do that pass a Resolution that you want me to do it and we will do it. I just want you all to know that you all stand on solid ground with a legal opinion telling you all that you can’t do it and an accounting audit opinion, someone who deals with government, all the time I guess, Mr. Moosa telling you all that you can’t do it. So there you go.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “So it is not legal, that is clear.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “It is not proper, okay, it is not proper. No one took the money and went and spend it at the casino, it is not proper. It is an improper use of tax dollars. It needs to be returned to the original fund, that is what is needed to be done.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Do you have any idea of a time limit? Mr. Stelly wanted the Attorney General’s Opinion which is an opinion but like you said the law is the law.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I read the statue. I think it takes about 30 days. If we would send it out today we would get an opinion back in 30 days. If you all want to do it that is fine, but I am just saying don’t feel like you all need to do it. You are standing on pretty solid ground when you have two profession opinions telling you all what to do.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “My question is this: How long do we have to put it back. I know that we should not do it again because we should have never done it.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I don’t know, I have no idea. I can only tell you from history. I remembered like I told you all last time from the Police Jury days, that is how far back it was. They took money out of the Health Unit and the Legislative Auditors fussed them and told them to put it back and they came up with a payment plan.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Unknowingly I want an answer for myself, unknowingly has been going on for the last couple of years. What is the liability on me that this have continued to happen? Knowingly from here going forward if it continues to happen? What is the liability to me?”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I don’t know what everybody was relying on. Maybe the auditor was saying that you could loan money, I don’t know, I don’t

know any of that. Until there is information going forth to flash that out I have no opinion about that. I am just saying going forward, like I said last time, you all have knowledge that it is improper. That could be malfeasance if you start taking money out of a fund when you have been told by your auditor and your attorney not to do it. So absolutely going forward I would not do it. As far as paying it back, I don’t know. We would almost have to bring in the Legislature Auditors and ask them what to do when this happens.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I want to stand very clear that today going forward that it is not something that I would condone or agree to. I want that to be on record.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Mr. Dejean, basically we have a law that states that it is dedicated funds, specific use. Is there anywhere else where it is written or if it is not or it has been used, what is the process?”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I am not aware of that. Do you want me to look into it for you? I would think that someone in Baton Rouge would know that. I can look into it for you.”

Councilman Ken Marks continued, “My second question is this: I know that Jessie is very much aware of that. Transferring the funds within the development occur quite frequently. Those funds are not specifically dedicated like this one was. The law from what I understood, and let me know if I am wrong, you have to pay it back if you do borrow from another entity, you need to pay it back within the year you borrowed it.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I am not following you.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Is that true?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I am not even going to comment.

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “No, you haven’t heard that? You did not know that?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “So, I am not going to comment on anything dealing with this, not with the council.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “How are we going to get answers.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “There is your lawyer.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Okay, I am done.”

Councilman Alvin Stelly questioned, “So in other words asking the Attorney General for a ruling is wasting our time?”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “Well I am not saying that. First off it is not a ruling because that kind of connotes that you have like a judgement from a judge, okay. The AG’s opinion is an opinion.”

Councilman Alvin Stelly stated, “I don’t want an opinion.

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “The only way to do that is: Someone would have to file a lawsuit and say an injunction against the parish to quit spending that money, and the judge would have to make a ruling to say that you are right Mr. Citizen. They should not spend the money, and I am going to give you a ruling, a restraining order saying not to do it, okay, that would be a ruling. I am not saying don’t do it, if you need to do it, do it but I don’t think it is going to put you in any different position than you are in right now.”

Councilman Alvin Stelly stated, “But if it doesn’t help.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I don’t want to discourage you from it. It is not a big deal. I don’t want you to think that you are going to get some answer from Jesus Christ saying that it is okay to do or not okay to do, it is an opinion. In fact we don’t even cite them when you have a case with the judges. An AG Opinion has little weight. It has some weight and it is the only thing that have even been talked about. We gave you all that case out of Acadia, that is a legal proceeding where they stopped Acadia Parish from bringing garbage in from another parish because their proposition said it is only for garbage in Acadia and they tried to go outside. If you all want to do it then go and change your ordinance. If you want to use Road District No. 1 money for something other than Road District 1 money go put it on the ballot and change it. Remember I cited that case about the mosquito board. They wanted to keep $500,000.00 at the end of the year. They said no that is not in the ordinance. That is a fool’s error to go and change the ordinance, okay.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “In the meantime the Finance Committee need to draw up some kind of plan as far as paying that money back. Do you agree?”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “Who me?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I am asking Mr. Taylor. He is Chairman of the Administrative Finance Committee.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Well Mr. Bellard ought to be putting a plan together like that to share with us. We would be happy to work with him on it. But we need to start paying some of that money back. We have to come up with a plan. When do you think we could do that Mr. Bellard?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We are submitting a budget in the next month.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Okay, next month. Is that October?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We will have it before October 1st, 2026.

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Good. You will have part?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It is already in the budget.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “It is in the budget.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes sir.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Getting back to the motion to have the Attorney General’s Opinion on this what is the pleasure of the Committee?”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “We already have the answers from both sides. The legal side and based on what Mr. Moosa said we already have that. So I see no action needs to be taken. What needs to happen is that Mr. Bellard needs to provide us with a plan.”

No action taken.

8. Forward to Regular Meeting RESOLUTION No. 016-2026.

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Can you explain this Resolution to us Mr. Bellard.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Basically we asked the state to give us some Capital Outlay Money for the District Attorney’s Office to change their Chiller System. It is coming through the Parish Government, but our DA is going to put up the matching funds to do the work. We just need a Resolution to forward to the State Capital Outlay.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I also see where the District Attorney’s Office have put themselves in line to pay any over the cost for these things.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Correct.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Do I have a motion?”

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Dexter Brown to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to Adopt Resolution No. 016-2026.

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. 016-2016

WHEREAS, there are documents and requests that St. Landry Parish Government needs to sign regarding Capital Outlay projects administered through Facility Planning and Control, Division of Administration;

WHEREAS, there may be circumstances in which the cost of a Capital Outlay project administered through Facility Planning and Control, Division of

Administration, exceeds the agreed upon costs;

WHEREAS, St. Landry Parish Government is serving as a pass-through entity for

the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office for the Capital Outlay Project

identified as 50-J49-26-01, District Attorney Building Chiller Replacement, Planning

and Construction;

WHEREAS, the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office has committed to any funding match amounts required through Facility Planning and Control, Division of Administration for Capital Outlay Project 50-J49-26-01, District Attorney Building

Chiller Replacement, Planning and Construction.

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER 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 for state disbursements pertaining to Capital Outlay Project

50-J49-26-01, District Attorney Building Chiller Replacement, Planning and

Construction

administered through Facility Planning and Control, Division of Administration. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the St. Landry Parish Council that St. Landry

Parish Government is serving as a pass-through entity for the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office for Capital Outlay Project 50-J49-26-01, District Attorney Building Chiller Replacement, Planning and Construction and will not be responsible

for any costs for this project;

Administration.

9. Forward to Regular Meeting RESOLUTION NO. 017-2026.

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Can you give us the details on that Resolution Mr. Bellard.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Ever year we have to do this whether we Opt-in or Opt-out. Basically if a storm comes in we kind of relax the rules to get the temporary housing. Last year we Opt-out because we can always Opt-in if we see fit later on. So if we Opt-out I think it is a safe bet however there is no little loophole so someone could come and put a camper as a living area. So if we opt-out we are safe and if we need to opt-in we can during the time of the event.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor questioned, “And your recommendation is?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Opt-out.”

A motion was made by Councilman Dexter Brown, seconded by Councilman Faltery Jolivette to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to Adopt Resolution No. 017-2026 to Opt–out of the waiver.

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. 017-2026

FEMA Temporary Housing and Shelter Assistance Program

Expedited Temporary Housing Assistance Waiver for Land Use and Permitting

WHEREAS, hurricane season in Louisiana presents unique and diverse obstacles for parish and municipal governments and their residents; and

WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer programs to assist recovery efforts after storms; and

WHEREAS, one such program is the Temporary Housing and Shelter Assistance Program, which, once activated in the parish, allows homeowners to place a temporary housing unit next to their damaged homes; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and FEMA have been directed by Louisiana Act 526 to make the process of activating and implementing the Temporary Housing and Shelter Assistance Program as quick and seamless as possible and have created the Expedited Temporary Housing Assistance Waiver for Land Use and Permitting to allow homeowners to install temporary shelters; and

WHEREAS, Louisiana Act 526 requires parishes and municipalities to opt in to or opt out of the waiver each year and return the completed waivers to the parish office of homeland security and emergency preparedness.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on this 16 day of September 2026, that the St. Landry Parish Council authorizes the Parish President to select one of the following options for the 2026-2027 program year:

[ ] OPT IN to the waiver

[x] OPT OUT of the waiver

10. Update on information regarding the current balance owed to Opelousas

General Hospital Account by St. Landry Parish Government and update on what is owed to Correct Care and advise the council if St. Landry Parish Government has a Contract with Correct Care.

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Mr. Bellard. Do you want to give us an update on that?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “You all have the questions so ask away. You all asked about it at the last meeting that is why I am saying that.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “The last meeting you said we owed the hospital a bunch of money.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No, I did not say that.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Correct me is I am wrong, but I think that you did say that we had problems. Anyway long story short, the hospital is owed $300,000.00 for taking care of inmates in St. Landry Parish is that correct?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Are you saying the hospital is not owed that?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Who owes the money?”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I am just asking if they were owed.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I have no idea. I can tell you like this. Parish Government owes nothing to Opelousas General Hospital. Parish Government owes nothing to Correct Care.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Okay, so tell us about Correct Care. Do we have a contract with them?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No, no contract needed because Correct Care is a company that works straight to the state. They have contract with the state. Basically Correct Care is an insurance company that give or take is for the State of Louisiana. Whenever an inmate goes to the hospital everything is submitted to Correct Care. Correct Care notifies us and ask us if that inmate was in fact an inmate for Parish Government as that time. We submit documentation saying yes it is and they pay a portion of the services, and the Department of Corrections pays a portions of the services then they send us a bill. So the bill that comes in, we pay a portion of that bill directly to Opelousas General or to the Ambulance service.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I am sure that you have all of this written down. The portions and how much of the percentages and so forth, is that correct?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Every bill that comes in have everything down.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Can we get a copy of all of this that you are talking about so we can actually understand it.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I can give you all a copy of a bill. yes.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor questioned, “How long have we been doing this with Correct Care?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Since 2015.

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I can tell you for a fact somebody owes the hospital $300,000.00 from St. Landry Parish and it is over 120 days old.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I will agree. It is not St. Landry Parish Government. You are absolutely right. Somebody owes the hospital some money, but it is not us.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Well let me ask you this; When we get a prisoner that is arrested in St. Landry Parish for a crime are we not responsible for that prisoner to feed him, to house him and give him medication?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “So he or she belongs to us is that correct?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “When that inmate is booked into the facility it becomes our responsibility, correct.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I think if you get us that information we could better understand how this work.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Let me make sure there is no gray area in here. We do not owe the hospital, Correct Care, Department of Corrections nothing for parish inmates for anything, okay. Correct Care is basically the insurance company that the state have just like anyone else’s insurance company.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I think it is a private company is that correct?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes it is a private company but it is the state, not us. They pay the portion that the state requires them to pay. The Department of Corrections pays a portion, and they send us the balance that is owed. We pay that directly to Opelousas General or whatever hospital or whatever ambulance service that is owed. We don’t know what is owed until they do their part and then they send us the bill.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor questioned, “Could we get an update from January 1, 2026 to now of what we paid, our share to the hospital.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes, that is fine. I want to say it is around 12 thousand and some odd dollars.

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “Basically what is the process and how long does it take before it comes back to you for payment?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I am not exactly sure of the time frame on that. We got some bills this week for Ambulance Service and for Ex-Rays and some

other stuff. Just like a regular insurance company would send you your share of the pay of the visit. Except for us it is on the inmate. I will say about 30-45 days but again if it gets to us then we have to verify that that inmate was in fact ours then it is sent back to them.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “That would have been my next question. You have a way to verify before you even submit payment?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Right, before Correct Care even accepts it.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Okay, about 30-40 days maybe?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I want to say within the 30 days we will get a notification here and then after that it goes through their process.’

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Mr. Bellard do you get an updated balance from OGH? Do you get an updated balance? You don’t get anything from OGH?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No because we don’t owe them nothing.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “But you paid them $363.00 the other day, am I correct, last Wednesday to be exact.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is to Correct Care. Correct Care sends us the bill, and the bill says who to pay. Basically a breakdown of the benefits of any type of insurance plan they tell you what they paid and what this person paid, and this is what we owe, and it tells us who we owe it to. That is how it works. That has been like that since 2015.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “What I would like to know is how did we find out that we owe $300,000.00 that we don’t. Where did that come from?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I have no idea other than one meeting Mr. Ardoin asked me how much we owe Opelousas General. I did not know if we owed them anything. The next meeting came up and they said that we owe the hospital $400,000.00, but that is not true, we don’t owe the hospital a single dime right now other than is if somebody went to the hospital today or last week.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Okay, so I yield. I don’t understand where are we getting these numbers from.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Maybe I can tell you a little bit.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Go ahead, I am trying to find an answer.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “We have parish prisoners that we brought to the hospital and they have serviced them to the tune of $300,000.00, okay. The question is this: Mr. Bellard says this company owes the money we don’t or we owe a lower portion of it, that is where the $300,000.00 came from.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “It is like a Blue Cross Blue Shield Policy.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor continued, “Again, who is responsible for the care and upkeep of these prisoners?”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Correct Care is the insurance company that is going to pay the bill to the hospital.

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Do we have a contract with the insurance company? It is not an insurance company is it?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No we don’t have a contract with Correct Care. The state of Louisiana does.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “It works on the same principals.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Correct. The same principle as the insurance company. They do their portion and we pay our portion and the Department of Corrections pays his portion that is agreed upon within their organization. They just give us the balance owed and we pay whatever entities owed. We don’t pay Correct Care; we pay directly to the hospital.”

Councilman Ken Mark stated, “I guess I am confused. We approve board members for that hospital board, do we not?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is correct.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Are they obligated to us to let us know what is going on? Can we get clarity?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “You all can make a request for the Hospital to come over here.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “I think we should. I just don’t understand how we can get to an answer unless we have people that are supposed to be representing us.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “When you all asked the questions, I gave you all the answer. We don’t owe the hospital a dollar.”

Councilman Ken Mark stated, “That is fine. That is not what I am after right now, am after the business at hand for that board to be held accountable for what they do or don’t do. We need to have a representative or a chairman come here and let us know. We can request that, right?”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Are you putting that in a form of a motion?”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Yes.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Keep in mind their meeting is on the same night as the council meeting. Maybe they can come to a Committee Meeting.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Whatever it takes to get them here.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I would like for put that in your motion.”

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Councilman Ken Marks stated, “I will put that in my motion that we request the presence from a chairman or a Board member to basically show up and explain to us the current situation: Do we or do we not owe any money. That way we can verify what the Parish President is saying.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “We have a motion. Do we have a second?”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I can second his motion but I want to make a comment. In our e-mail whenever they are have a meeting Ms. Sherell forward the minutes from OGH, the meetings that they have, she forwards those minutes to us. If you want something with Correct Care, no problem, but I know the minutes from the OGH Board comes to us.

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Why don’t we ask the Financial Administrator at the Hospital to come over here and tell us that we owe them some money. Let’s do that, that would be great. I will make that a Sub-Motion.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “So instead of the board being held accountable or coming here to explain to us you want the Financial Department Administrator of OGH to come in and explain to us.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “That is right. Stating that we owe them $300,000.00.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Or whatever.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “That is correct. That is how we are going to get to the bottom of it. That board is not the one who monitors revenue.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “So what do they do?”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Operations of the hospital.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Gentleman, gentleman please. We have a motion; do we have a second?”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “You have a second on the Sub-Motion.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “We have to vote on the Sub Motion first.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “What is your Sub- Motion?”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “The Sub-Motion is to have the Administrator of the hospital attend the next meeting with the balance that we owe them.”

A Sub Motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Faltery Jolivette to invite a Financial Administrator from Opelousas General Hospital to come and address the council regarding any outstanding debt that the Parish Government may owe Opelousas General Hospital for inmate medical care. On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and

Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None. Motion carried.

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “The Sub-Motion is passed. It now becomes the original motion. Do we have a vote on that please.”

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune, seconded by Councilman Faltery Jolivette to invite a Financial Administrator from Opelousas General Hospital to come and address the council regarding any outstanding debt that the Parish Government may owe Opelousas General Hospital for inmate medical care. On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None. Motion carried.

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Chairman, out of respect for their board, can they come to our next Committee Meeting and not the full council. They have a meeting on the night as us.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “It is not them that are coming. They can come if they want. We are requesting an Administrator.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I think that is a good suggestion.’

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Come to our committee meeting instead of the full council.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Come to our October Committee Meeting. Sherell do you have that?”

Council Clerk Sherell Jordan stated, “Yes Sir.”

11. Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I have a petition to be incorporated into the St. Landry Parish Fire Protection District No. 1. Mr. Emile Bourgoyne and Mr. Warren D. Snyder who lives next door to each other on Schexnayder Lane, Melville LA. They are asking to be able to get into the Fire Protection District No. 1. They are going to pay the taxes, whatever they have to pay like everyone else so they will be under the umbrella of that Fire District. So my question is this: Will the DA be responsible for taking care of this or will Sherry be responsible for taking care of this? How do we go about this? These people have been asking to get under this umbrella.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Chairman, I have an answer. So upon talking with the tax assessor and everybody involved, unless there is some type of legal way

that we can do it, it will have to be done by us. It has to be done through some kind of legal process, even if it can be. Again that district was voted on and there is a line. Of course they want to come into it but next door doesn’t.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “What do you mean next door doesn’t? The people that are paying already don’t want them too?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No, the people right next door to Mr. Emile on the other side of the road, they don’t want to come into the district. So we can’t just put people in the district from what I am understanding. I know that Sherry was working on that. I think it will have to be a legal issue that have to be resolved before we can entertain it.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “That is what I think. It will have to be handled through the District Attorney’s Office but yet we need to start the procedure to try and help these people. If they want to pay taxes into this fire district let it be. I was just asking.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I will agree. They should because a lot of the area doesn’t even have fire protection.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “I am asking the committee to vote on it and see what procedure we need to take. I am asking for a vote of the committee to bring it to the full council and we will go forward with it.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “I want to say that I do remember that already happening.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Yes we did it before.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune continued, “But it was the Fire District made that approval. It is a voting district line so the fire district made that approval once before, maybe not that one but I know that it happened before, I remember that situation once before. That was probably like 15 years ago.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Can we request the Fire District to go ahead and tell us that they are alright with it and we do it as a Resolution as a Parish Council. I just want to know what procedure that we need to take. These people have meet with Sherell and they have called me. Mr. Emile was here the other night.

He was not here for that matter but still we need to try and accommodate these people. I am asking that we move forward, bring it to the full council and give it to that Fire District and ask them to do the proper procedure for it.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I can make that motion for you but on the end I would like to tag on the recommendation from Ms. Sherry McGovern as well with the taxing purposes on the properties. Are you good with that?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Yes Sir. I am fine with that. We need to try and move forward with that and help these people out.

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I will make that motion.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Exactly what is the motion?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “The motion is to ask St. Landry Fire Protection District No. 1 to start the procedure to let these people into their Fire District so they can be under that umbrella or in the boundaries of their Fire District. So they can get some protection. I think that is what it is all about.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “They will have to expand their voting district. That.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “No it is not expanding.

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “That is what will have to happen. You have to have those people having to say yes or no. You just can’t pick them out of the crowd. So it will be an expansion and Ms. Sherry will have to come.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Under the recommendation of Ms. Sherry McGovern.

“”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette stated, “With due respect to Mr. Ardoin’s request if it is a legal issue I would like to ask Counsel: Is it our problem? Is it our decision? Do we make the Resolution on that? Do we get legal advice first.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “Let me just say this: I don’t see this any different than like the city of Opelousas taking in a neighborhood. There is a process that they go through. Once they are in the city of Opelousas they are bond by the taxes. I don’t know the exact procedure on how that happens but I am sure Fire District over time have expanded themselves and they have gotten bigger. They just have to figure out how to do it. I think that would be Fire District No. 1 that would say we want to expand. I don’t think that we can go and tell them to expand their district. Are they having a problem with the Fire District in order to do that?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No they are in favor. They are in favor of doing it.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “They are continuous touching with the existing Fire District?

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes. It is just across the street.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “Are they the only two houses on that road Mr. Wayne?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “No they have more than 2 houses. They have about 5 or 6 houses down that road.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “So all 5 or 6 want to do that?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “The two here that have signed the paperwork are Emile Bourgoyne and Warren Synder.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean questioned, “Who is the Chief of that Fire District?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Tim Guidry.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “The Fire Districts have their own boundaries established when it was created. If these constituents are in that boundary then they are in the district.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “They are not in that district. They want to be in that district.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “The boundaries would have to be changed in order to include them into that boundary change right and receive taxes from them. Is there a problem? Have it been done before?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I don’t know.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “I think the question is this: When they form a district you have an election of people vote to tax themselves. So we have a document stating that they want to tax themselves but what is the legality of that? That is the question. How do you expand the districts?”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I don’t see it any different than when Opelousas had that subdivision on the south end. They brought it in and those people are subject to the taxes of Opelousas. They have property taxes. It is process that they are going to have to go through. I think the Fire District is going to have to be the one to initiate that. You can’t force the Fire District to expand itself but the Fire District can petition to do it. You just have to figure out how to do it.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Dejean I am not sure if you are familiar but Fire District No. 3 took the City of Opelousas to court this April or May. The Judge ruled that annexing property was unconstitutional the way they did it. There is an issue right now with that part. I am not saying it will involve this but I am glad that you brought it up because I think the council needs to be aware of that.”

“”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “Well they might not have been given notice and some people did not want to be in it and was not give the opportunity to say something or vote on it. There have to be a procedure.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette questioned, “Where do we go from here? How do we move forward?”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “We have a motion. Please state your motion again.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “To incorporate with the Fire District, Mr. Wayne can you repeat those names.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Emile Bourgoyne who lives at 1296 Schexnayder Lane, Melville, LA and Mr. Warren Synder who live at 1238

Schexnayder Lane, Melville, LA. I have both of their petitions asking to be placed in that Fire District.”

Councilman Dexter Brown continued, “To incorporate Mr. Emile Bourgoyne and Mr. Warren Synder in that Fire District with the approval of Ms. Sherry McGovern, the tax Assessor.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “You better add something to the fact that we will have to have the Fire District approve this first.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Let me help you with that. Let’s have them come here first and tell us what the process is. I would invite them to come and discuss the placement of these two people withing their district and what is the process?”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I would like to make a motion to forward this to our October Committee Meeting where we can invite Fire District No. 1 Fire Chief and their Committee.”

Administrative Finance Chairman Harold Taylor stated, “Okay, we can do that but what about the legality of it. We can hear what they want to do but if we can’t do it. Don’t you think we need to have someone to interpret the law on how we go about doing this?”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Mr. Dejean, why don’t you just look up what is the process and what we need to do and you bring it back to us and we can go from there.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “We will look and see how does a Fire Protection District expand. What does it have to do to take in more territory. I will see if I can get an answer for you all.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I will withdraw the motion.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Mr. Bellard, I have a few things that I would like for you to forward to the council or to myself. I want to know if I could I get a copy of all of the contractors and professional fees that were charged. I have a list. I will give it to you when I am finished. The description of services provided and the department or offices receiving the services. The contracts, when they start dates and their end dates and the amount paid during the period, their hourly rates and flat fees and retainer or other payment arrangements. The total for professional fees and other compensation paid during the period. Procurement methods and source of funding. I would like a copy of all of the parish vehicles and the fuel cost. The department and office to which the vehicle is assigned. The name and job title of all employees assigned to drive or use each vehicle. The total fuel cost for each vehicle during the period. I would like a list of the employees’ overtime and the name of those employees and their job titles. I would like the total number of overtime worked and the overtime rate. I would like the source of the funding when it is applicable.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Do me a favor. Put it in writing.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I have it.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “In detail writing and I will give you what I can give you. How about that?”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “That would be fine. Thank you.

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is not a problem.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “It is for the last 24 months if it is possible.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Just put it in writing.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I have another question. You gave us a list of the employees’ wages the last meeting. Is that the most recent updated list?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Ms. Nancy, you all asked for, not you but Mr. Ardoin asked for the most recent updated list and we provided exactly what you all asked for.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just wanted to clarify. It is the most recent. Thank you. That is all that I have.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “I would like to make a presentation at the next full council meeting to the retired law officer, Mr. Edgar Robert Jr. I will pay for the plaque and it will be no cost to the parish government nor the parish council. He is retire from competing in the Police Olympics and everything else. Recently, in his age group he was crowned champion in the hurdles. I would like to make a presentation to Mr. Edgar Roberts Jr. on behalf of St. Landry Parish Government, St. Landry Parish Council at our next Full Council Meeting.

12. 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: Nancy Carriere, Faltery Jolivette, Ken Marks, Dexter Brown and Timmy Lejeune. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None. Motion carried

SECOND MEETING

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd, 2026 OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST. OPELOUSAS, LA

PUBLIC WORKS CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

1. Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards called the meeting of the Public Works

Committee of the St. Landry Parish Council to order.

2. Roll Call: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Oliver and

Jimmie Edwards. Ex–Officio: Wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: Ernest Blanchard.

3. Person to address the Committee:

Ms. Tricia Andrus addressed the council. She stated, “I am Tricia Andrus. I live at 136 Unity Drive, Opelousas, LA. I came for a permit. I am trying to get a permit for a mobile home that I moved. The last time it was discussed the argument was about the road footage. I am trying to see what is it that I need to get done so that I can move into my mobile home with my boys.”

Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards questioned, “Are these some pictures of your mobile home?”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Mr. Chairman what she is discussing now is part of item No. 7 on the agenda. It is the variance and footage of property because that is who I am trying to help out.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We changed our frontage to 60 feet instead of 90 feet. She still does not qualify even with the new ordinance. So it have to be a variance that the council has to give, I can’t do it. So it is up to the council.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “We have recently given variances to different people for different reasons. We even have a picture with a family that we gave a variance to. I think when Ms. Andrus brought the property I think that we had not completed the new regulations. I just want us to consider that she had already made that investment and she had already bought this trailer. So that is something to consider. It for her family just like everyone else that comes here.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “The property that she is on, next door is family land that she purchased and next door is her mother and father. She is trying to get a permit for that trailer.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “Do we have pictures?”

Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards stated, “No.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “We need pictures. Doesn’t it have to be inspected? And we will need an inspection approval.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “This is about the frontage. The house is already there. There is not enough frontage per our ordinance, even with the new ordinance but because of the number of houses that are on the property.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I have seen the trailer, the trailer is not an issue in this case. Like he said it is just the frontage. It is in good condition because we have looked at all of those things. I am saying that on behalf of her that I have seen the trailer but she has to go through the process. I am just letting you all know.”

Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards stated, “She needs more frontage.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Right, this is a frontage issue not a trailer issue.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “How wide is it?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “The issue is the roadside frontage.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “How wide is that road? How far-off are we?”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Is the mobile home occupied at this time or is it empty?”

Ms. Tricia Andrus stated, “It is empty”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “How long has it been sitting there?”

Ms. Tricia Andrus stated, “Since March.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “So is this your first time to come here?”

Ms. Tricia Andrus stated, “I came last month or 2 months ago.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Is this the one that you are talking about Mr. Brown?”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Yes sir.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “You have it on the agenda already.”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Yes sir.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Mr. Bellard, what is the footage? Do you have a diagram of this? Nobody have a picture or anything.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It was brought to the council before.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Correct and we pushed it back because it was denied, correct? So now it is coming back up again.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard questioned, “Right because it is not just one house on the property, that is the problem. How many houses do you have on the property right now?”

Ms. Tricia Andrus stated, “Two.”

Parish President jessie Bellard stated, “Two, you don’t have three structures on that property?”

Ms. Tricia Andrus stated, “Oh, on the whole. I thought you were talking about the two mobile homes by each other. There is another white house, that is for my parents, that is not for me.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It is on the same partial of land. Each structure have to have 60 feet of frontage. If I am not mistaken it is about 101 feet of frontage that we have. We are missing about 70-80 feet to do three structures.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Do you have a diagram or anything? Do you have a diagram Mr. Brown? You have it on the agenda? Do you have a diagram?”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Let me look through my mail right quick.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “it is about 101 feet of frontage. The problem is that they have 3 structures on the property.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Edwards we need to move on. If Dexter wants to explain it further down on the agenda he can explain it then but we need to move on.”

Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards questioned, “Mr. Brown have you found anything yet?”

Councilman Dexter Brown stated, “Not yet.”

Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards stated, “We need to move on.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “If you don’t mind we can do like Mr. Ardoin is saying, bring it back up on item No. 7 of the agenda. I will have more information. I will ask her to come and look a map.”

Ms. Mariecha Joubert addressed the council. She stated, “My name is Mariecha Joubert. I just purchased some property today in Whiteville on Cotton Patch Lane. I wanted to ask for a variance to place a mobile home that I did find. From what I understand it is older than what you all require, it is a 1998. I looked at several and honestly this one looks better than a lot of these new ones that you all see. I would like to apply for a variance to get a permit. I have pictures.”

Councilman Jody White stated, “I have been talking with Ms. Joubert. She did provide some pictures. The trailer is in great shape. I would like to move to send this to the full council for a vote on a variance.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “You all need to hold on. We have to get an inspection done it prior to it being moved because of the age. It might look good on here and it probably would be fine but if you all don’t mind can you all forward it pending the inspection report at that time.”

Councilman Jody White stated, “That is what I mentioned it to her. I say in the time between tonight and the next meeting someone needs to inspect it. I did say that.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We will have a report for you all at the full council meeting.”

Ms. Mariecha Joubert stated, “I just sold my home today and I just moved out. Now I need a place to stay. I can’t afford these new homes they are so expensive.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is fine but over the age of 25 we have to do an inspection and bring it back to the full council. In between now and the two- week time we will have that done. I would make a motion to forward it to the full council.”

A motion was made by Councilman Jody White, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to authorize a Variance to Ms. Mariecha Joubert’s 1998 trailer located in Whiteville pending an inspection from Code Enforcement.

On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Vivian Olivier. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Ernest Blanchard. ABSTAINED: None. Motion forwarded.

Ms. Ashley White addressed the council. She stated, “Good evening, my name is Ashley White. I am an Attorney on behalf of Baker Donaldson. I am here on behalf of AT&T. My address is 201 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 3600, New Orleans, LA 70120. I am here seeking approval of our Communication Tower Construction Permit that was submitted on August 7th, 2026. It is for the construction of a 230-foot Lattice Self Supporting Communication Tower built by AT&T.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Mr. Chairman, that is item No. 10 on the agenda.”

Ms. Ashley White, Attorney continued, “This site will be located at 17331 HWY 190, Port Barre, LA I do have an aerial site map for you all. It is located next to J & K Automotive. AT&T will be leasing that 50 x 50 location for the tower. It is supported by Engineering Designs and Certifications Letters that have been attached to our application. It is built to withstand up to 119 miles per hour wind. It has an internal collapse point so that in the unlikely event of a collapse it would collapse upon itself into a 20-foot fall radius. So there is very little risk to any surrounding property and/or other items in the area. The purpose of the tower is to increase coverage and capacity in the Port Barre area. I have a coverage map here. Red is indicative of the strength of the coverage. Yellow means vehicle coverage, green would mean limited coverage based on outdoor usage. The goal is to increase the coverage area. We have reviewed all of the code ordinances and have submitted all required exhibits and support for our application. We are confident that this would improve both the coverage for everyday individuals and also support first responder’s communications as well and that is important in this area.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “I reside in the Port Barre Area. With this tower, specifically what radius are you talking you about? What services are you referring to? Is that telephone service only?”

Ms. Ashley White, Attorney stated, “Yes, it is wireless Telecom, LTE Coverage. It is also First Net Coverage. That is the coverage that is used by First Responder’s.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Nothing with internet or anything to that nature.”

Ms. Ashley White, Attorney stated, “No it is wireless, Well I am not an engineer so I don’t want to mis-speak. But any wireless coverage that is supported by LTE. So if there is a wireless router that uses LTE coverage.

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “How is that going to benefit the parish financially? Can you or Mr. Bellard tell me what is going to be involve with benefiting the parish?”

Ms. Ashley White, Attorney stated, “We would submit our permit fees as required. We have a lease with the property owner. There are no direct taxes paid through the construction permit. That is a lease that we secure with the property owner to construct that tower.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Is it the same as the one that is located

I-49? It is not the same company but they were doing a tower also.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We get permit fees from the towers and of course people get better service. It is always a plus. You all have the application in your packet.”

Councilman Faltery Jolivette questioned, “What time frame does a project like this takes?”

Ms. Ashley White, Attorney stated, “From the application prospective it would need to be completed within a year.”

4. Public Work Report:

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “You all should have a copy of Mr. Soileau’s Report.”

Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards stated, “Everyone should have a copy of Mr. Soileau’s Report. We can move on to the next item on the agenda.”

Mr. Barry Soileau, Public Works Director addressed the council. He stated, “For the Month of August we:

Services Performed

Instances

Area Performed

Boom Axed

Roads

Box Blade

Roads

Culvert Cleaning

Roads

Debris Removal

Roads

Ditching

Roads

Culvert Insulation

Roads

Grading

Roads

Grass Cutting

Roads

Patching

Roads

Material Spreading

Roads

Sign Installation

Roads

Tree Removal

Washouts

380

Roads

5. Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for three appointments to Fire District

No. 7 for a one–year term and four appointments for a two–year term. (09-19-2026-09-19-2027), (09-19-2026-09-19-2028), (11-18-2026-11-18-2027) and (11-18-2026-11-18-2028).

A motion was made by Councilman Jody White, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for three appointments to Fire District No. 7 for a one-year term and four appointments for a two-year term. (09-19-2026 – 09-19-2027), (09-19-2026-09-19-2028), (11-18-2026-11-18-2027) and (11-18-2026 – 11-18-

2028).

On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Vivian Olivier. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Ernest Blanchard. ABSTAINED: None. Motion forwarded.

6. Forward all applications received for one appointment to Acadia–St. Landry

Hospital Service for a six–year term. (10-01-2026 – 10-01-2032).

A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Jody White to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 all applications received for one appointment to Acadia-St. Landry Hospital Service for a six–year term. (10-01-2026-10-01-2032).

On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Vivian Olivier. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Ernest Blanchard. ABSTAINED: None.

Motion forwarded.

7. Discuss information regarding Variances on Frontage Footage of Properties.

(Councilman Dexter Brown).

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “She came and meet us. She showed us on the map where the resident is. It is missing 20 feet because another house is on another parcel of land. It does not join with hers. We were able to take that off. All we are missing a 20-foot variance to give her a permit.”

Councilman Alvin Stelly questioned, “Would she have to move?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No it is just a matter of saying instead of 120 feet she will have 100, that is all.”

Councilwoman Mildred Thiery stated, “If I am in order I would like to make that motion that we grant her request.”

Councilman Jody White questioned, “Are we granting it or are we moving it to the full council?”

Councilwoman Mildred Thierry stated, “I am sorry, moving it to the full council.”

A motion was made by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry, seconded by Councilman Jody White to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to grant a 100-foot Variance to Ms. Tricia Andrus, 136 Unity Drive, Opelousas. On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Vivian Olivier. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Ernest Blanchard. ABSTAINED: None. Motion forwarded.

8. Authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment to Fire District No.

2 for the remainder of a two–year term. (05-15-2025-05-15-2027).

A motion was made by Councilman Jody White, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to authorize the Council Clerk to advertise for one appointment to Fire District No. 2 for the remainder of a two-year term. (05-15-2025-05-15-2027).

On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Vivian Olivier. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Ernest Blanchard. ABSTAINED: None. Motion forwarded.

9. Authorize permission for Mr. Logan Lawson to get a permit for a variance to

move his Mobile Home Trailer on his property.

Hello, my name is Andrea Davis. I am with my son Logan Lawson. We are from Cankton and I purchased some property about 3 years ago that was abandoned. We cleared about 50% of it and it has increased its value by $200,000.00 over the value of the purchase. He is asking to move a mobile home that was donated to him and his children and I will be the one remodeling it. I know that you are all nervous about the pictures and it is an eyesore but we are not able to remodel it before we move it because we don’t own the property and they don’t want to take the risk of someone getting injured and getting them into a lawsuit or something, so I understand where they are coming from. I would like to ask for a Conditional Variance, maybe it would help both parties. Conditional that we get a reasonable amount of time to remodel this mobile home. If it is not done in that amount of time maybe it is demolished and removed off of the property into the dump.”

Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards questioned, “Are you asking for some time to repair it?”

Ms. Andrea Davis stated, “Yes.”

Public Works Chairman Jimmie Edwards questioned, “How much time do you need?”

Ms. Andrea Davis stated, “Weather permitting because it is a lot of work to be done. I will say about 8 months, is that reasonable? We are coming into the winter months.

Councilman Jody White stated, “My question is this: In reference to allowing that variance, legally how do you draw that up if we are going to do something on a time frame?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We will do that on the permit process.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “I looked at the pictures of that trailer that you all would like to move there. They look kind of rough. I also looked at the remodel process, the pictures that you got off of AI or whatever they call that, is that your actual intent to bring that trailer to that level?”

Ms. Andrea Davis stated, “Yes Sir, brand new windows, insulation, new roof, siding, complete everything.

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “I see that you all have already spent a fortune. I just want to make sure that I understand what is going on.”

Ms. Andrea Davis stated, “We have already put in a new slab. I did not know about this process until we started. I already started taking off the skirting and that is why that one looks really bad because we took of the porch and we made it look worse than what it did before we knew that this was a process.

“”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “How old is this trailer?”

Ms. Andrea Davis stated, “1998 is what the owner is telling us.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Is it within the 30 years.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We did 25.”

Ms. Andrea Davis stated, “Correct, it is not withing the 25 years.

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Has it been inspected yet?”

Parish President Jesie Bellard stated, “It has. That is what is in your packet, it is in the packet. The pictures and the inspection.”

A motion was made by Councilman Jody White, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thierry to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to approve a variance pending the proper boarding in reference to the conditions of refurbishing the mobile home for Mr. Logan Lawson.

On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Vivian Olivier, and Ernest Blanchard. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAINED: None.

Motion forwarded.

10. Approval to construct a newly proposed Telecommunications Facility (AT&T)

located at 17331 HWY 190, Port Barre, LA 70577 (Parcel 0105722000A). The proposed facility will be a 230–foot self–supporting lattice tower with a 10–foot lightning arrestor located within a 50 x 50 fenced area on the property.

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Is that the correct address Mr. Bellard?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is what she stated on the application.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “It seems like that is to many numbers.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I think that is what is stated on the application.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “The application on our agenda is 17331 HWY 190.”

A motion was made by Councilman Jody White, seconded by Councilwoman Mildred Thiery to forward to Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 to authorize the approval to construct a newly proposed Telecommunications Facility (AT&T) located at 17331 HWY 190 Port Barre, LA 70577 (Parcel 0105722000A). The proposed facility will be a 230-foot self-supporting lattice tower with a 10-foot lightning arrestor located within a 50 x 50 fenced area on the property.

On roll call vote: YEAS: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Vivian Olivier. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Ernest Blanchrad. ABSTAINED: None. Motion forwarded.

11. Discuss any other business properly brought before this committee.

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Mr. Bellard how is the McNeese Project going with the ditch? The digging.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “They have not done anything with it yet.” Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Will there be some help with that drainage board?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We are definitely going to help the drainage board. It is just a matter of when it is going to happen. We will help the drainage board with the project. We are helping them with another project right now.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I will check back later on this. Thank you.”

12. 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: Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly and Vivian Olivier, NAYS: None. ABSENT: Ernest Blanchard. ABSTAINED: None. Motion carried.

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE EXACT AND TRUE KAREN BARLOW, ASSISTANT CLERK

ST. LANDRY PARISH COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m. OLD CITY MARKET, 131 W. BELLEVUE ST. OPELOUSAS, LA

MINUTES

This meeting was called to order by Chairman Wayne Ardoin.

II.

The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation was said by Councilwoman Nancy Carriere.

III.

IV.

Roll Call: PRESENT: Nancy Carriere, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards. Ex Officio: Wayne Ardoin. ABSENT: Jody White, Faltery Jolivette, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown and Ernest Blanchard.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

None.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:

1. Opelousas General Hospital Administrator coming to discuss Correct Care.

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Mr. Lance Armentor would you come up please and explain to us exactly what all Correct Care maybe about and explain to us the whole situation.”

Mr. Lance Armentor addressed the council. He stated, “I will. I appreciate it Mr. Chairman. For one moment before we get started I would like to give this parish council an update on the hospital if I may. I sat here almost 3 years ago and came to this parish council with a hospital that had definitely been struggling financially and struggling with community perception of how we gave services. We immediately went to work and I would like to give you an update on where we are today. Just a couple of comparisons, when I came in the hospital was running at 34% employee engagement. What that means is that every 10 people working in that hospital, 7 out of 10 people did not enjoy their job and did not want to be there. That was the first thing that we tackled. I am happy to say that 3 weeks ago we finished our employee engagement survey and we are at 74% so that means 7 out of 10 people want to be at our hospital. That have definitely had a huge impact on the community and everybody that we serve. The other thing that we did was really stress the importance of serving the people of St. Landry Parish and the outside communities. We opened our clinics, we opened up our clinics to the underserved, we opened our hospitals to the underserved and we really made it a point to take good, quality care of those people. The third thing that we had to work on was turning the hospital finances around. We were definitely struggling in that aspect and I am sure everybody here knows that it is public record of what the finances are. The only thing that I will add to our hospital finances is for the first time in many years we are putting money back into our savings account and we are buying new equipment and spending money on capital projects around our hospital. The main reason we are doing this is to serve all of your constituents, all of the people that you serve in our great parish. The last thing that I will add, which is probably the thing I am most proud of is our foundation, which is led by a wonderful young lady, Ms. Olivier Buller, myself and our State Representative Dustin Miller. We worked very tirelessly this year on some grants. We received some grants and I am sure many of you all know, especially in this time of need in our school system as the school board have gone through a lot of major changes this year that have been very hard. I am proud to say that Opelousas General Foundation was able to donate $150,000.00 to the parish schools for athletics. We gave every high school in this parish $20,000.00 to help support the athletic programs. Some of the schools such as: Beau Chene bought wrestling mats and upgraded facilities while other schools bought basic uniforms and things they needed for the student athletes. I am very proud that the hospital has been able to ingrain itself back into the community and had the funding and the financing to be able to do that and serve the people of

St. Landry Parish. I will end with that unless anyone may have some questions about that. Alright, when we talk about Correct Care I have spent the last 7 days really digging into Correct Care. It was not something that I was very aware of but I knew that Correct Care was the TPA, that is the insurance company for the Department of Corrections and that is how we were reimburse for the inmates in the state. I want to be very clear; Correct Care reimburses all inmates for the entire state that we see besides Federal. If a patient comes to us, an inmate comes to us from Oakdale we build Correct Care. If an inmate comes to us from St. Landry Parish Jail we build Correct Care. If a patient from St. Landry Jail goes to Ochsner in Lafayette they build Correct Care. What happens is this: Correct Care looks at this bill and they make a couple of different decisions. (1) They are going to verify with the parish that that was an inmate at the time of service. He was an incarcerated individual, not an inmate that was arrested. That is two separate things. (2) They are going to determine if they owe us any money and if so how much, depending on

the contract and the fee schedule. (3) If Correct Care does not owe us the money but money is owed to the hospital then the governing authority over that inmate is sent a bill from Correct Care to pay this Hospital. We have a couple of things going there. As you all have already heard, right now as of today, Correct Care owes our hospital in the neighborhood of $500,000.00 in gross charges. That does not mean that St. Landry Parish is responsible for those charges that is multiple inmates from across the state. Out of those gross charges there is going to be a net factor on that which actually will lower the amount and honestly we will probably see 12-15% net to gross, which out of $500,000.00 would probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of $75,000.00 that we would receive from Correct Care. In speaking with Correct Care today, actually speaking with the Department of Corrections today they had been waiting on funding to pay the bills and we are starting to see that come in now. So we are going to see that coming from Correct Care in the very near future. They cannot pay until they are funded. However on the other end, when they do get a patient, I will give you an example, if a patient comes to RED for services not covered by the TPA, the insurance company I will call them, then that bill is sent to the Parish Government. Once Correct Care validates the bill and the put the fee schedule appropriate to that patient on the bill our charges might be $3,000.00 but the bill truly might only be $300.00, depending on how that fee schedule goes for that. One good example is this: In an ER you have level 1, level 2, level 3 and level 4. Level 4 would be like a traumatic trauma or somebody having a stroke. A Level 1 would somebody who have a runny nose. If the parish jail sends a patient to RER and they are a Level 1 or a Level 2, St. Landry Parish would be responsible for that bill. It would not be Correct Care. Let me be very clear, we do not ever bill St. Landry Parish at all. We bill Correct Care, they make the determination, they work with your Parish Government, they submit the bill to the Parish Government and the Parish Government pays the bill to us. This exercise have allowed us to get better. Anytime we are going to take time as an organization to look into something, my first initial instinct is going to be this: How can we make the process better. Number one, there are two different types of inmates that come in. There is one that is under arrest and there is one that is already incarcerated. From Correct Care: It says Correct Care reimburses at the Medicaid rate. Governmental Correct Care covers the incarcerated patient and the arresting authority is solely funding the bill when the patient is only in custody that they are injured during an arrest. If a patient shows up at our facility with the Opelousas Police Department that was injured during an arrest, we will bill Correct Care and Correct Care will submit that entire bill under the Medicaid Fee Schedule to the Opelousas Police Department and they will be responsible for paying that to us. We do not have a good way in our system to separate the two, they were just all inmates. That is one thing that we as a hospital is going to do better. The second thing was an Audit Process. We did not have a very good Audit Process because of the lack of communication between the Department of Corrections, Correct Care, ourselves and the Parish Government. We submit a bill to Correct Care, if they determine that is the responsibility of the St. Landry Parish Government they send the bill to somebody at Mr. Bellard’s Office, I am assuming and they receive that bill and then they pay us. Up until today we had no visual oversight on when Correct Care determined that was a St. Landry Parish Prisoner, that was their responsibility. Today, through all of our work with Correct Care and the Department of Corrections we now have access to their portal where we can see every single patient. I talked to Mr. Bellard earlier and we are going to develop an Audit Trail to where every 90 days we are Auditing what is in there. We ran an Audit today for the last year of all prisoners that came from Correct Care. They narrowed it down to what came from St. Landry Parish Government. We looked at those prisoners that Correct Care have identified as the responsibility of St. Landry Parish Government. Out of those prisoners who could we trace that St. Landry Parish Government has paid us and who could we not. Out of that we found $6,949.00 in unpaid bills from St. Landry Parish. I want to be very clear; I don’t know when Correct Care billed St. Landry Parish. I don’t know if St. Landry Parish might have paid the bill already and not put the claim on the check and we accepted cash without really being able to tie it to a patient. We could not find anything today. Earlier today I talked to Mr. Bellard and I sent him that list for them to do an Internal Audit because my goal is for use to find out that these fell through the cracks or no, Lance, here is where we paid you all a check for this patient and this inmate and we can tie it bac together. Going forward we will have a better Audit Process. I would expect that every 90 days we will cycle back and do this again. I will say my appreciations to the council bringing this to the light. It gives myself and the Parish Government an opportunity to work closer together and make

sure that there are no liabilities spread anywhere and all of our business is being taken care of. There is one other thing that I wanted to add before I open for questions. We talked about all of the great and wonderful things that the hospital is doing. The Employee Engagement, how we are financially in a stronger position and taking better care of patients. I want to make if very clear that we have a very good administrative team. We have a phenomenal board and some very good leaders on Med-Staff. Without our board encouraging and working with us and the open transparency that we have with our board we would not have been able to accomplish this over the last 3 years. It takes all three, Med-Staff, Administration and the Board to get the hospital heading in the right direction. I just wanted to make sure that you all knew that. I know that this Parish Council does put board members on our board and I am very appreciative of the board members that have. I am done.”

you all

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated,” Are there any questions from any councilmembers for Mr. Armentor.”

Councilman Harold Taylor stated, “I want to thank you Lance for taking this project on one week ago and getting this information to us. I think that we have all benefited from your research and so forth. I am happy that you were able to explain it in a way that everyone of us could understand it. There is not a question that will derive from this gathering tonight. Thank you.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean questioned, “I want to commend you Mr. Armentor. I know the dire situation the hospital was in before you got here. You made a miraculous turn around on the hospital so I want to commend you on that. I want to make sure that I understand. Mr. Bellard maybe you can help me out. When you say there are two kinds of people under arrest and incarcerated, there is actually two kinds of incarceration. There is a state prisoner who is incarcerated and then there is a prisoner awaiting trial who is incarcerated. Do you all distinguish that?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “The difference I think that Mr. Armentor is talking about is this: When a person is arrested by the agency and brought to the jail, if they are not booked into the system yet, they technically not a parish inmate until they are booked. If they get there and there is evidence of bleeding or something they are send to the hospital for care and for clearance before being booked into the jail. Now that they are not incarcerated or they are not under arrest but they are not a parish inmate as far as the definition according to Correct Care.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean questioned, “You are not paying any of the state prisoner medical bills, right?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Not the hospital bills, no.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “So we are only talking about people waiting for trial, prisoners and whatnot.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Once they get arrested and they are booked into the jail then they are 100% ours. This is prior to being booked into the facility and making sure that they are cleared for incarnation and they are usually brought to the hospital for clearance.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean questioned, “To be clear, St. Landry Parish Government does not get a medical bill from OGH?”

Mr. Lance Armentor stated, “Never, never do we send a bill to St. Landry Parish Government. It goes to Correct Care and they are the TPA that drives it in multiple directions.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “They audit it and they send the remainder to you I guess Jessie, right?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “They will send it to our office to get clarification on the inmate. Making sure that that person was an inmate at that time. They will turn around and they will send us the ending balance that is owed to OGH or the Ambulance Services or whoever is used for that inmate.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I don’t want to ack like a council person but I am just curious about the amount of the medical bills the parish have been paying. Is that something that have gotten crazy or out of hand?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It is up but it is not crazy. It has always been high. It is what it is. There is nothing that we can do about it.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “I guess on the Level 1, Level 2 for colds or what not you treat that in the jail, I guess.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes, we try to do everything that we can inside. We even have the X-ray team come in and do X-rays. The dentist comes and Dr. Metoyer comes. Whenever they are shipped out to the ER is because it is medically necessary by the nurses or Dr. Metoyer.”

Legal Counsel Tommy Dejean stated, “Okay, thank you.”

Mr. Lance Armentor stated, “I would like to give one bit of clarification on the direction of patients. I actually talked with the ambulance company and Dr. Metoyer talked today. My kids, I think that it is very important for them to learn about local government. My wife and I home school our children and on Wednesday nights we watch this parish council meeting every other Wednesday night. We watch it on Facebook and we stream it on the big tv. It educates them and also make them ask a lot of questions so thank you all for that. I did watch the parish council meeting and I did want to clarify one thing that I understood. If the nurses at the prison think that a patient needs to go to the hospital I am assuming their first phone call is to Dr. Metoyer, the Medical Director to validate that, unless it is a true emergency. If someone have chest pains or something they call the ambulance. The ambulance at that point is the director of the patient unless there is some family request. This is at your home or anywhere and the ambulance is going to go to the closest hospital that can provide that level of care. If a patient is having heart problems or they think the patient may be having a stroke they are coming to Opelousas General, we have heart doctors on call, we have stoke protocols and we are good to go. If a patient breaks their leg in half and a trauma surgery is needed they are going to divert that patient directly to Lafayette because we do not have trauma surgery on call. The ambulance is kind of the key holder to where the patients go. I wanted to make sure that the board understood. The hospital is not rejecting a patient, isn’t telling a patient to come, the ambulance is always going to bring a patient where they think the patient will get the care they need as fast as possible. There is also something called LEARN. LEARN is a product that we all in the hospital participate in. It is where we as in ER keep track of every ER in the state. The ambulances have access to this and they know exactly what specialties we have in the hospital at that time. They know our census of the bed count at that time in the hospital. They know if they are bringing an emergency patient and they have 12 patients ahead of them in line or can they get them straight into the door which I am sure plays an important role in the ambulance company decision also too.”

did

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “I just want to say something that you not mention when Mr. Dejean asked about the two kinds of inmates. I heard him ask a question about when does a patient go to the hospital and who is responsible. Earlier you mentioned about an inmate injured during an arrest.”

Mr. Lance Armentor stated, “It is the arresting authorities responsible according to Correct Care.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I wanted you to repeat that. I asked you about the bills from Correct Care. Right now you said standing is was like $6,000.00.”

Mr. Lance Armentor stated, “No ma’am. So Correct Care total, what Correct Care owes the hospital right now and those charges is almost $500,000.00″

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “I am sorry I am going to correct myself but I meant with St. Landry Parish I think our balance was like $6,000.00

Mr. Lancy Armentor stated, “$6,949.00 is what the parish exactly owes the hospital according to our audit which Mr. Bellard and I will work over that over next week. He may have some payments that are due or he may have made some payments. One of the things that we have to have is a good process when he makes a payment that we know to attach it to that account.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I just wanted to clarify that because $6,000.00 as of now and it could be less depending on if bills are getting paid or it could be more depending on what have not been done yet or Correct Care have approved yet. I understand that we talked about Correct Care and the funding. You have to get the funding and you pay the bills. I just wanted to make those clarifications especially about the inmates. Sometimes it is not our bill until they are in our custody but in the process if they are injured it is not a bill for Correct Care.”

Mr. Lance Armentor stated, “Talking with Correct Care today I did not think it would be a good path for anybody to go down. If a patient qualifies for these 3 or 4 things that you know Correct Cares is not going to be responsible for you could just bill St. Landry Parish Government. I will be honest with you. I would rather it go through the TPA for Audit purposes. They provide a fee schedule; they tell St. Landry Parish the exact amount. I like having that TPA making that decision and driving what bills need to go where and how they get paid.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “How do we change that aspect of this situation? Right now it is not and you said that you would prefer that.”

Mr. Lancy Armentor state, “It is, they were wanting me to change it the other way. That is the way that it is. The only thing that we have learned, our lesson learned from this is: (1) we have access to the Correct Care System so we can see that. Jessie it might be something that you all want to look into. I am sure you all can get access to that patient portal. It list all of the patients’ responsibilities and what claims have been denied. I would think that you all could, I’ll ask. I think it would be helpful for you to know what is coming down the road. Right now the way that I understand it the parish really does not know anything until the bill shows up in the mail.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Right. So to get to Ms. Nancy’s point on what is owed the bulk of what he sent us this afternoon came in last Wednesday. So we are $6,949.00 that is owed to Opelousas General. We just got that in last Wednesday.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Earlier you mentioned the 14. That had been already registered. I did not understand that it was just today. I know we had this thing about last week about what we owed. It was neither-nor. It was neither the $300,00,00 nor the $300.00. So we are getting some clarification today.”

Mr. Lance Armentor stated, “I think the great thing to know now is that now it is on the radar. One of the things that we strive to do at the hospital is this: When we identify a gap we want to make sure that we close the loops on that gap. We have a process

in place going forward to where we won’t ever slip back into that. I was talking about the 90-day cycle where we would be doing audits every 90 days out of this patient portal and communicating with Jessie’s Proxy at the Parish Government. If you want to know the truth I think we will notify them of patients and their responsibilities before they get notified from Correct Care. We are so intertwined and we are both small enough organizations that we can pick up the phone and have that conversation and we will never get in a situation like this again. I am very big on closing the gap, writing policy and procedures and moving forward to where we don’t have this situation again.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “I appreciate it. I think we got some clarity today which is good. That is all that I think I wanted was clarity on what is going on and I know that we are not in this big deficit, so I am okay as far with the medical bill.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune questioned, “I would like to know: Can any individual ask what the balance is on a bill that is at the General Hospital that works for Parish Government? How did we get to $500,000.00 in the last meeting. It was said that we owed General Hospital $500,000.00 when we actually did not. Somebody provided false information. Can just anybody get that?”

Mr. Lance Armentor stated, “Our Accounts Receivable are public not down to the individual level but when you are talking about Blue Cross-Blue Shield, like cares. If I got a phone call tomorrow and said: How much of an outstanding balance do you have on Blue Cross-Blue Shield, we talk about that openly in board meetings. I will be honest, I got the phone call about what is Correct Care and what do they do, what do they owe. I said Correct Care owes ‘X’ amount of dollars. It is for inmates and I did not know a lot about it. I will be very clear; I assumed that Correct Care operated like our insurance company operated. We are a self-funded plan so we have UMR. If you are an employee of the hospital and you go to the doctor and you have a $150.00 deductible, you pay your $150.00 and the hospital will bill UMR, maybe it is $1,000.00 and UMR bills me $1,000.00 to pay my insurance. I assumed that is how Correct Care worked, I did not know how it worked, but what I knew is that in totality Correct Care owed our hospital $500,000.00. When you put into perspective that I get a phone call from the parish, that is over the parish inmates, asking a question about what is owed on the balance to that I go to find out if I can share that information and our lawyer said yes because you are sharing it to the parish. I could not share that information to somebody on the street that came up and said what does Correct Care owes you, absolutely not. Since it came from the parish, legal said they had no problem with it.”

Councilman Timmy Lejeune stated, “Okay thank you.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Are there any other questions from any of the councilmembers? Mr. Bellard are you satisfied? You asked for this meeting, are you satisfied?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I did not have a problem with it, it is you all.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “This paperwork that you all give us tonight, what is

it?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is what you all requested from the last meeting.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Okay, thank you Sir. Mr. Armentor I want to thank you. I want to thank the two board members that are also here with you tonight, Mr. Wolfe and

Mr. Albert Simien.”

2. Adopt Resolution No. 020-2026

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is the same grant that we get every year for Transportation at Community Action through the Department of Transportation.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin questioned, “Is this for people that are going to doctor’s appointments? You mentioned last week that they have some that are paying cash, are they paying for transportation right now? Will this take care of that?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No this is the same one that we do all the time. The cash fares is something that is extra and above and beyond. Whatever we collect from cash fares goes against this grant. If we collect anything on cash fares it goes against what they pay us back on.”

Councilman Harold Taylor questioned, “Is there a match that we have to put up with this grant?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes, they pay 50% of the actual cost.”

Councilman Harold Taylro questioned, “The other 50%, where does it come from?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Now it comes from CSBG and other grants that we have at Community Action. Through any expenses that we have at Community Action related to this we can add that as our incline against the match.”

Councilman Harold Taylor questioned, “We had a shortfall on the last order, is that part of shortfall with transportation? The last audit that we got for 2025 which we just received in August.

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I am not sure. I am not sure of the shortfall over there. I will look and see but I did not see it.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Are we going to continue the cash program or not? I thought you were trying to stop it.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We are trying to continue the cash fares because a lot of people use it but the cash fares actually hurt us on this program.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Is there a limit of the cash fare that it would hurt or it doesn’t matter?

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It doesn’t matter any cash fare, yes.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “So this program outweighs the cash fare.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Pretty much, yes.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “But it hurst more not having the cash fare.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes, a lot of people use the cash fare program because they don’t use Medicaid. We are trying very hard to put the cash fare back into business with the new program that we asked for last week at the council meeting. We have other grants that we are applying for.

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “That won’t affect the cash fare.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “That is our plan. It is to have cash fares to help the other people and have this and neither one affect each other.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “When are you going to know whether you are going to continue the cash fare. I got a couple of calls about it and people are concerned.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “We are hoping in the next couple of weeks we should have some kind of information back from the Federal Government on that and I will let you all know. I want to start it up as soon as we can because it does affect a lot of people in our parish.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “On these two grants, do we know that amount that we may be involved in or how much we may be getting?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I don’t have that with me.

“”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “You and I had a discussion about those services being stopped and no longer available. You had mention because of the funding, is this Federal Funding?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “It is funded through the state.”

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “Through the states from the Fed’s.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Correct.”

Councilman Ken Marks questioned, “How is it determined how it is going to be spent and used? Is the Community Action Agency making that decision or do you have any input?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “No that comes straight to Community Action as the request is made from the constituent that use the program.’

Councilman Ken Marks stated, “So for me and my municipality I would have to request for them.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “There is a portal that goes into make a request for a ride. Usually it is done a couple of days in advance so the bus routes are planned accordingly.”

Councilman Harold Taylor questioned, “Are we going to get to know what is the amount? We will have to put up 50% of the money don’t you think we need to know how much are we asking for so will know how much we will have to put up?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “The matching part is coming from Community Action through other grants.”

Councilman Harold Taylor questioned, “What is the amount for this grant?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I don’t have it in front of me. I don’t know.”

Councilman Harold Taylor questioned, “Can we wait until our next meeting to vote on this until we get that number?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “The reason why we are having it tonight is because it is a last-minute deal that they gave me after the last meeting on last week. It is up to you all. I am just bringing it to the council.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “This is a repeating grant, the same one that we got last year?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Yes, this is the same thing that we get every year.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I see you have Formula Grant, what does that mean? Formula Grant for rural area. I know what the buses are and I am thinking that you are going to buy some more buses or is that to do what with?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “The buses mean to utilize the buses, not so much to buy a bus. We have enough buses to do that. In the Rural Part is that we can use the buses in the rural areas of our parish not just in municipalities. The grants are very specific on where we can and cannot use stuff. When you are applying for these grants you have to make sure that you are applying for the entire parish, not just for one section.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere questioned, “Right now we are using these buses in all the different municipalities that needs them.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Everywhere in the parish.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “I understand what he was asking about our

portion that we would have to match verses what we are going to get in the grant. Last year, how much did we get in the grant? So we will have an idea.”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “I just found out. It is $225,000.00 last year. This year it is $196,000.00.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “So it went down. Are we going to match?”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “CSBG is going to match.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “So they are not taking anything away from Parish Government.”

“”

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated, “Not from Parish Government, no.”

Councilwoman Nancy Carriere stated, “Okay, thank you.”

Chairman Wayne Ardoin stated, “Do I have a motion to adopt the Resolution?”

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards to Adopt Resolution 020-2026.

On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Mildred Thierry, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: Harold Taylor and Ken Maraks. None. ABSENT: Jody White, Faltery Jolivette,

Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown and Ernest Blanchard. ABSTAINED: None. WHEREUPON, this motion FAILED on this, the 8th, day of September, 2026.

FAILED

Resolution No. 020-2026

Resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for a grant under any of the following FTA programs managed through Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

49 CFR 5311, Formula Grant for Rural Areas

49 CFR 5339, Grants for Bus and Bus Facility Program

WHEREAS, the Secretary of Transportation and Development is authorized to make grants for mass transportation projects;

WHEREAS, the contract for financial assistance will impose certain obligations upon the applicant, including the provisions by it of the local share of project costs;

WHEREAS, it is required by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in accord with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that in connection with the filing of an application for assistance that it will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements thereunder; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of the Applicant that minority business enterprise be utilized to the fullest extent possible in connection with this project, and that definitive procedures shall be established and administered to ensure that minority businesses shall have the maximum feasible opportunity to compete for contracts when procuring construction contracts, supplies, equipment, or consultant and other services:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by St. Landry Parish Government:

1. That the Parish President is authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of St. Landry Parish Government Community Action Agency with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, to aid in the financing of operating and/or capital assistance projects pursuant to FTA transit programs.

VI.

2. That the Parish President is authorized to execute and file with such applications an assurance or any other document required by the Louisiana Department of

Transportation and Development effectuating the purposes of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

3. That the Parish President is authorized to furnish such additional information as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development may require in connection with the application or financial reimbursement of the project.

4. That the Parish President is authorized to set and execute affirmative minority business policies in connection with the project’s procurement needs.

5. That the Parish President is authorized to execute grant contract agreements on behalf of St. Landry Parish Government Community Action Agency with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for aid in the financing of the operating or capital assistance projects.

6. That the Parish President is authorized to sign and submit financial activity reports on behalf of St. Landry Parish Government Community Action Agency with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for aid in the financing of the operating or capital assistance projects.

This resolution is applicable for a period of one year unless revoked by the governing body and copy of such revocation shall be furnished to the DOTD.

ADJOURN:

A motion was made by Councilman Timmy Lejeune seconded by Councilman Jimmie Edwards to adjourn the Special Meeting.

On roll call vote: YEAS: Nancy Carriere, Mildred Thierry, Harold Taylor, Ken Marks, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Jody White, Faltery Jolivette,

Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown and Ernest Blanchard. ABSTAINED: None. WHEREUPON, this motion was adopted on this, the 8th, day of September, 2026.

I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE EXACT AND TRUE KAREN BARLOW, ASSISTANT COUNCIL CLERK

XIII.

ADJOURN