Harlan Kirgan
A spraying program to control roadside weeds will have to wait at least a month, but it now appears it is likely to happen.
At Wednesday’s St. Landry Parish Council meeting the issue was continued until its Public Works Committee meets on June 3.
By that time Russell Schexnider, public works director, may have a plan to use parish resources to do the herbicide spraying.
Schexnider, in a teleconference meeting because of the distancing requirements to slow the spread of the coronavirus, said the parish could save money using its own resources.
The chemicals would cost $15,000 to $20,000 if the parish bought them compared to $60,000 through a contractor.
The parish would use its own employees, but they must become certified to buy and apply the chemicals, he said.
The parish would use an “old” truck now designated for culvert-clearing, he said. The truck has a 1,500 gallon tank.
Schexnider, who said the spraying plan is evolving, said the parish may be able to buy a truck for $20,000 to be used for spraying.
The state Department of Transportation and Development has offered its assistance to set up the program, he said.
Earlier estimated on the costs to spray totaled $120,000 with $70,000 the cost to do areas not in special taxing districts.