Hayden Linn

The Board of Aldermen of the Village of Hosston adopted an amended budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025. The budget includes operating revenues, general and administrative expenses, public safety expenses, and water department expenses. The amended budget reflects changes in revenue and expenditure projections for both the general fund and the water department.

The meeting included opening a public hearing for three ordinances: one providing for a tax on insurance premiums, one amending the budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025, and one adopting the budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026. The board approved opening a bank account for the Black Bayou Festival and appointed a Deputy Clerk and a Code Enforcer for the Village of Hosston. Additionally, the board adopted the three ordinances that were previously discussed in the public hearings.

The Village of Hosston council meeting included a public hearing for Ordinance No. 7 of 2025, which amends Ordinance No. 2 of 2024 regarding water increase for all water customers. The council also discussed and presented the agreement for LaMATS, which pertains to the collection of Insurance Premium Tax on behalf of the town. Additionally, Ordinance No. 8 of 2025 , regarding the imposition of a tax on insurance premiums, was introduced, with a public hearing scheduled for December 16, 2025. Mayor Jaynes commented on the success of the Fall Festival and the placement of Christmas decorations, while Chief Colston shared successful opportunities he was involved in.

The special council meeting included an amendment to the agenda to correct the title of Ordinance No. 9 of 2025, which concerns the adoption of the budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025. A public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. The council also introduced Ordinance No. 10 of 2025, adopting the budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026. A public hearing for this ordinance will be held at the Regular Town Council Meeting on December 16, 2025.

The Board of Aldermen of the Village of Hosston convened to discuss and approve an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2 of 2024, focusing on increasing water charges for all users to ensure adequate revenue for the Village's water system's operational, maintenance, and debt service needs. The ordinance details the new monthly water rates based on usage tiers for residential, commercial/business, and bulk water services, including minimum charges, rates per thousand gallons, and deposit/connection fees. It also includes an automatic annual adjustment/increase of the water rates based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), effective January 1, 2025. The ordinance further specifies late payment fees and conditions for disconnection of water service due to non-payment.