A three-day barbecue festival held by the St. Landry Parish Government in June lost $6,660, according to a statement presented to the St. Landry Parish Council Administrative-Finance Committee on Wednesday.
The barbecue festival financial report request made by Council member Timmy Lejeune arrived as the Council faces voting on an ordinance to approve borrowing up to $4.6 million to cover expenses.
Council members face a vote at their Sept. 17 Parish Council meeting on whether to approve the $4.6 million debt.
In August, the State Bond Commission directed Parish President Jessie Bellard to have a certified public account verify the parish finances. Some commission members doubted the parish can repay the $4.6 million.
The BBQ festival reported total revenue was $140,683 and expenses were $147,343.
The festival expenses included $69,213 in entertainment expenses. Van Reed, who was filling in for Bellard at the meeting, said the money was for bands.
Parish Government provided $50,000 in funding for the festival.
“I can’t imagine we spend taxpayer money for festivals,” said Committee Chairman Harold Taylor, who has become the point man for urging a fiscal reform.
Taylor, who served as Palmetto mayor, said festivals in the town were always funded by sponsors.
The statement lists $55,840 in sponsorships. The committee had requested a list of sponsors, but that was not presented at the meeting.
The committee voted to request a list of sponsors and vendors a the festival.
The second highest expense was “other” at $46,182 followed by security at $17,975.
