Kathleen Schexnider Faulk

The Finance Committee meeting involved a review and analysis of the city's operations for the year ending December 2025. Key discussion points included sales tax revenues, which showed an increase of $160,000 (approximately 2.5% increase from 2024). Other revenues, such as those from water, sewer, and electricity sales, were mostly flat or slightly declined for electric sales. Payroll expenditures for both the general fund and the utility fund increased by approximately 5% year-over-year, partly due to staffing levels in the police department being fully met in 2025 and the inclusion of an extra payroll run. General government expenditures, including police and fire departments, also increased. Overall city expenditures were up by half a million dollars, which is less than 5%. The committee also discussed the restoration of cash reserves, which had previously been depleted due to storms and other events, noting they have been rebuilt to approximately $1.5 million. The discussion concluded with optimism regarding sustained sales tax performance despite inflation affecting utility costs.

The meeting commenced with procedural formalities including a roll call and prayer, followed by housekeeping rules for presentations and public comments. Key discussions involved a presentation from the Abbeville Cultural and Historical Alliance regarding the importance of preserving their facility in the old library building, citing significant economic impact and prior capital investments. Another major topic involved an update on airport development projects, including securing state funding to offset the match for the $39,000 airport master plan grant and potentially $1 million for airfield pavement maintenance. Discussions also covered plans for expanding the apron to attract more hanger development and potential future commercial/industrial growth adjacent to the airport, as well as the upcoming construction of a $30 million Department of Defense readiness center.

The special meeting addressed two primary agenda items concerning insurance renewals effective March 1, 2026, through March 1, 2027. The first item was the approval of renewals from Louisiana Municipal Risk Management Incorporated for general liability, law enforcement officer, automobile liability, and emissions insurance coverages, which included a significant increase in automobile liability premiums due to litigation activity. The second item involved approving renewals from TSL for property damage, equipment, machinery cyber liability, airport liability, and employment practices insurance coverage, which resulted in a notable $19,000 premium reduction for the city. This reduction was achieved despite negotiating increased coverages for wind and hail limits.

The meeting included the ratification of the appointment of Police Department Chief Mike Hardy and the recommendation for hiring Mr. Dumonte Dober, a post-certified officer, as a police officer. A significant presentation recognized Mr. Eric Adcock for receiving a Grammy award for the musical compilation "Tribute to the King," honoring Clifton Chener, noting that the vast majority of the recording occurred at Docside Recording Studio. New business featured the adoption of a resolution to transfer a surplus fire department trailer to the City of Brussard, the approval of a special event permit for a parade, and the approval to replace a control panel at the bypass electrical substation due to a malfunctioning LED. Furthermore, the council approved a payment estimate for a fiscal year 2023 LCDBG project and the cancellation of the February 17, 2026, city council meeting due to a holiday. A public works project was approved for sewer improvements and rehab in the area of Dutale Street (noted as Felicity and Slesinger Streets on the agenda). Departmental reports included updates on water leaks repaired on Park Avenue and Hollingsworth Street, and work on Landry Drive. The Police Chief announced plans to introduce a proposal for part-time firefighter positions to fill vacancies and supplement staffing levels, with hiring for full-time positions to follow ahead of the August academy.

The meeting commenced with opening prayers and the pledge of allegiance, followed by housekeeping notes regarding public comment procedures and live streaming guidelines. Key agenda items included the ratification of Captain Timothy Boar's resignation from the Abbyville Fire Department, effective November 12, 2025, and the approval of the budget to actual report for October 2025. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing to consider amendments to the city's sales tax ordinance (Sections 1732, 1738, and 1780). These amendments aimed to align the dealers' commission rate with the rest of the parish (reducing it from 2% to 1%), incorporate digital products into the sales tax definition, and update the documented sales tax rate to the current 1.75%. The council also discussed the dangerous and dilapidated condition of two storage sheds at 114 South Myrtle Street, receiving a recommendation from Public Works to condemn the smaller shed and allow the owner an opportunity to repair the larger one.