Harlan Kirgan
A resolution to call a special election on a 0.25 percent sales to raise up to $700,000 annually for police and firefighter pay raises is on the Eunice Board of Aldermen’s Tuesday agenda.
Mayor Scott Fontenot said a committee made up of police and firefighters has been meeting on the issue.
Former state representative and Public Service Commission member Dale Sittig is to speak for the committee in presenting the proposal, Fontenot said.
Eunice Police pay is among the lowest in the area, he said. Police officer starting pay is $9.75 an hour.
The pay has resulted in a revolving door at the department where once officers are trained they leave, he said.
“Why risk your life for $9.75 an hour when you can go make that at Walmart?” Fontenot said.
Fontenot said he is hoping people realize the tax will directly benefit them at a slight cost.
For every four dollars spent, people would pay one penny if the tax passes, he said.
Details about the proposal are to be presented at the meeting scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m. with a public hearing on leasing city property for a communication tower.
Other agenda items include:
— Code enforcement updates on 411 S. 10th St.; 1211 Gregg St.; and 320 Jelks St.
— Introduce an ordinance amendment on trash fires.
— Introduce an amendment to a bicycle registration ordinance raising the fee from $3 to $5 and making it a one-time registration.
— Approve hiring two firefighters.