Mayor Scott Fontenot wants a discussion about the police department budget at Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen’s meeting.
Fontenot said he received a letter from Police Chief Randy Fontenot that expressed concerns about the budget.
The letter stated if a budget amendment is not approved there may be a hiring freeze and layoffs and the actions could be detrimental to public safety, the mayor said.
The mayor said the police chief submitted a budget last year with increases. The only increase approved was for pay raises funded by a new 0.25% sales tax.
Along with the budget request the police chief proposed a staff reorganization to reduce administrators through retirement, he said. .
Alderwoman Connie Thibodeaux said she would like to rescind approval for the lease-purchase of police vehicles given in July, 2020. The chief would be asked for a list of vehicles needed, she said.
The police chief has asked for a mix of pursuit vehicles and non-pursuit vehicles for the department as a way of reducing costs.
Thibodeaux also is asking for the Board to consider an ordinance amendment to require garbage to be bagged before being placed in trash carts.
Other business for the meeting scheduled at 6:30 p.m.. in the Eunice City Council Chambers includes:
— Show cause hearings for 340 North East Street and 230 South Mallet Street. Both are adjudicated to St. Landry Parish.
— Requests for show cause hearings for 730 Richard St., 130 Nimitz St., 250 Aymond St., 450 Corn Ave., and 291 Mill St.
— Resolution to accept ownership from the state of the Old Crowley and College roads.
— Update on hurricane debris.
— Update on sidewalk restoration.
