In a follow up discussion from the March meeting of the Basile town council, the governing body heard from employees and citizens on April 8 in reference to allegations that some town workers might have acted in violation of ethics laws.
At the March meeting, council members Kenny Burgess and Catina Hebert said that locals had witnessed town workers using town equipment to place rocks in the driveways of residences on Pine Street (outside of the town limits). The witnesses also said that rocks were placed at private properties inside the town as well.
Several members of the community voiced their opinions that rocks had been shared with citizens for the past 40 years. They also noted that the “rock” issue was minor, considering all of the other problems that the town was facing.
Town workers also said that there have been other times when the town has been called upon to do work on private property.
In the end, the mayor and council took no action after local Police Juror Sidney Fontenot explained that he had directed the town’s street and utility supervisor to distribute rocks (provided by the police jury) to places along Pine (but not on private property). The juror noted that the town and parish jury have a cooperative agreement in such matters and was following policy as per the agreement with the previous administration.
A member of the town work crew Derrick Deason, however, admitted to having some of the rocks placed on his own property and apologized for his action.
Mayor Mark Denette ended the discussion by encouraging employees, town officials, and citizens to be upfront about questions and concerns and indicated that going forward he wanted all town business to be in ethical accordance.
In other matters, the council:
— Increased residential water rates from $19.35 for the first 2000 gallons to $21 and commercial rates from $21.85 to $23 for the first 2000 gallons. The vote further increased residential rates from $4.35 for each additional 1000 gallons to $5. Commercial rates were increased from $5.85 to $6 for each additional 1000 gallons.
— Amended the police budget by transferring $10,000 within the department to pay salaries that are set to fall over budget.
— Authorized the mayor to join the Basile Housing Authority with the authorities in Elton, Oberlin, and Kinder to form the Tri-Parish Housing Authority in order to avoid possible future demolition of the small authorities in each town.
— Introduced an amendment concerning late payments to the utility bills ordinance to be discussed in public hearing at 6:45 p.m. on May 13.
—adopted a resolution to begin using a purchase order system.
—called for the removal of damaged playground equipment at the walking park.
—cleared up some confusion concerning a citizen’s utility bills.
—went into executive session on two matters involving litigation.
