Hymel: It’s time to tighten spending belt

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 11, 1999

RANDY SMITH / L’Observateur / August 11, 1999

CONVENT – St. James Parish President Dale Hymel reported to the ParishCouncil that it is time to tighten belts on spending.

“We will approve no further capitol outlays until the plants reopen,” said Hymel. “We only hope that the same level of services will continue to beoffered.”Hymel explained to the council that the parish is losing around $42,000 per month in tax revenue.

Hymel also reported that St. James is examining mosquito control optionsand seeking the best alternative.

“With recent reports of encephalitis from nearby parishes, we have to be concerned about the health and safety of our residents,” said Hymel.

“Although those reports were false, we still need to protect ourselves.”Gerald Falgoust, director of emergency preparedness, is preparing several options, which the administration will study closely.

In unanimous votes, the council agreed to: Reappoint Lawrence Jackson to the St. James Parish EconomicDevelopment Board. “He has been an invaluable asset and we want him tocontinue,” said Councilman Ralph Patin Jr.

Appoint Carl Vicknair of Lutcher to the Economic Development Board. Histerm will expire in June of 2001.

Set a public hearing for next council meeting on Aug. 18. At issue is achange to Ordinance 96-15 involving utility deposits required. Afterspirited discussion, the council agreed that some recognition needs to be given to those parish residents with long stable histories and good payment records.

Introduce proposed tax ordinance 99-10 for the year 1999. This willalso be discussed at the next public hearing.

“If you review the proposed ordinance, you will see that no taxes are being raised,” said Hymel. “In fact, we have scheduled a reduction in one area ofone-half mill.” Introduce ordinance 99-11 at the next public hearing. This wouldestablish a drug free zone at the seven recreational parks owned and/or operated by the St. James Parish Council. Acknowledge and approve the re-marketing of $19.5 million of PollutionControl Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds (Occidental Petroleum Corporation Project Series 1996). This will have the effect of changinginterest payments from a variable weekly rate to a fixed rate for a period ending July 1, 2018.

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