New Iberia City Council approves park project budget with prioritized lighting and infrastructure

A significant development emerged during the New Iberia City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, as council members approved a $406,900 bid for a new park project, despite budget constraints. The council opted for E and L Construction Group after the lowest bidder, JAI Construction, withdrew due to a mathematical error.

The project will feature a pavilion and reduced lighting, with only one light post planned for the park. Notably, the council decided to eliminate a drinking fountain to cut costs, a move that sparked discussion among members about the park's utility. Council members acknowledged that while the absence of a drinking fountain is uncommon, similar parks in the area have functioned without one.

The park is intended to serve as a community gathering space, particularly for children waiting for buses. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining the park's structural integrity while managing expenses, indicating that additional features, such as murals, may be funded through community efforts later.

In addition to the park project, the council addressed several resolutions, including agreements for wastewater treatment operations and a cyber readiness assessment with the Louisiana governor's office, aimed at enhancing the city's cybersecurity measures.

As the council moves forward, the focus remains on balancing community needs with budgetary limitations, ensuring that New Iberia continues to develop its public spaces effectively.