The mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Basile heard good news from Shirley Vigé, the town’s CPA, concerning the most recent audit. The audit findings were presented during the town’s regular monthly meeting held Dec. 9.
Vigétold the Basile officials, “The town is in a lot better shape than it was last year. The legislative auditor had placed the town on the list of towns in trouble, but you will be taken off that list.”
The auditor listed the following findings from the official audit from the past fiscal year:
— For the second consecutive year, the town failed to open a separate account for the depositing of bond money collected from property taxes.
— The police department was in violation of a budget overrun of more than five percent.
The recommendations were as follows:
— A separate bank account for the depositing of bond funds must be opened.
— The police chief must follow the Louisiana Government Budget Act, requiring the department to follow the budget as set by the mayor and council.
Another good piece of news came in regards to the GEO ICE facility located inside the Basile corporation limits.
Following months of negotiation between Basile Mayor Mark Denette, Town Attorney Dave Johnson, and prison officials, the mayor asked the council to ratify a mutual agreement contract between the town and the prison. With the council’s approval, the following terms were accepted:
— GEO will pay the town of Basile an average daily rate of 55 cents per detainee held in the facility for a total of approximately $12,000 to $15,000 per month. This fee will increase one cent per detainee each year in November up to 70 cents.
— The above fee will be paid retroactive to June 23 through Oct. 23 at the rate of 50%.
— GEO will award a $1,000 Basile High School student scholarship each year for every 100 detainees being held on average per year which should total nine to 10 separate $1,000 scholarships.
— GEO will replace the town’s sewer lift station up to a cost of $135,000 by June 2020.
— GEO will provide a generator as back up power for the lift station.
In other action, the council
— Adopted a two resolutions affirming support for a grant application with the Governor’s Office of Community Development for water system improvements in the amount of $35,000 and for an additional $35,000 for street improvements, a paddle wheel, and other minor sewer plant needs.
— Voted to reclassify Clayton Semien as a full time employee with the street department.
— Adopted a sexual harassment policy for the town.
— Continued an ongoing discussion of how to handle stray dogs in town. No action was taken.
— Approved sick leave with pay to Ella Swift in the police department.
— Heard a report from the mayor that the new police units should be arriving any day.
