[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6657739,"mediaKeyId","5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3","parentId",5066775,"title","Council tables proposed ordinance restricting alcohol in some city parks after wide public debate","audioSeconds",5165,"startMs",2400000,"endMs",7565000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3&start=2400&end=7565","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3/thumbnail_2400000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6657739/Hammond/Tangipahoa-Parish/Louisiana/Council-tables-proposed-ordinance-restricting-alcohol-in-some-city-parks-after-wide-public-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657739-5a9b51d088cfc0b55fcf0a46b500a7b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771065836&Signature=SqE80IjVUsYJHmdsFDE6ffamrnpeSlzrb-uYhLSWDeMvH0qTpaXMPpbdO~uIl5km12ynvnkL3yO4xm1LEkYlLDHByQCmsW8AO6ksKlHS1O0rH8jhWHRUB4R4Sk1CQBvHcapaTx2C9G1LGVKuQJ-95D9OJrcNeOUg0UDgMpH-GAKse4rWlb3EkHu7hqyF2IgrjxjfelWU7p7p0UNKwxtjgF7y4NlvSoq8kpD1-ODT7gECSEAuYzBibET2hE~S5-hgSuhOKBwisKljpiTA8OySDzlxXwtFe~8dOUb3tV5wHERKXAaHWqw71NKl3A2HvMXvTC3OzS6RcyKGtHROetgIAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hammond","date","2025-06-25T03:16:18Z","article","A proposed ordinance to restrict alcoholic beverages in city parks prompted more than an hour of public comment on June 24, after which the Hammond City Council voted to table the measure for further work.

The proposal drew opposition from downtown nonprofit and business leaders who said the ordinance as written would hamper fundraising events and cultural programming in downtown parks. Melissa Griffin, executive director of the Hammond Regional Arts Center, asked councilmembers to clarify whether exemptions would apply to small urban parks and to the pavilion then under construction; council staff and council members said the pavilion and Railroad Park would be considered differently and that the ordinance language could be revised to make exemptions explicit.

Downtown Development District representatives and downtown businesses asked that parks within the Hammond Downtown Development District (including Kate Square Park, Railroad Park and Morrison Alley) be exempted for organized civic and nonprofit events that undergo prior application and approval. Several downtown bar owners and licensed caterers said regulated vendor sales with ID checks and security had been used successfully at music and fundraising events, and they asked for a permitting or licensing approach rather than a citywide prohibition.

Other residents and council members voiced concerns about alcohol and drug use in some neighborhood parks and supported stronger enforcement measures and targeted restrictions. Law-enforcement representatives explained current enforcement tools and raised questions about the ordinance's penalty provisions and whether the stated penalties would be practical for policing and prosecution.

After the public comment, Councilman Andrews moved to table the item for further refinement; the motion to table passed on a roll call. Council members and staff said they will revisit the ordinance language to clarify which public spaces are included and how to allow permitted nonprofit and civic uses while addressing public-safety concerns.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Hammond, LA - City Council Meeting - June 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After extensive public comment from downtown organizations, bar owners and residents, the council tabled an ordinance that would restrict alcoholic beverages in city parks so staff can rework exemptions and definitions.","taxTitle","Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana","taxId",4559,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6657744,"Hammond council adopts FY2025-26 budget with amendments after extensive debate on sidewalks, drainage and capital projects",2498,6142000,8640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3&start=6142&end=8640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3/thumbnail_6142000.jpg","/articles/6657744/Hammond/Tangipahoa-Parish/Louisiana/Hammond-council-adopts-FY2025-26-budget-with-amendments-after-extensive-debate-on-sidewalks-drainage-and-capital-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657744-9ac0da9d06858d045306c938c495fab3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771065836&Signature=GYYkcjiU8f3zeldNWc5TwTUTF8waEJ8iGP1UmVUInVvhqWhE0g9nIKcXSQ7Yv9ivofEAaEpfpJXSZePTmIZwDW~9LstqTdtJmw9qrLkFD3yD1rL~OrxY3me04071sBVO8vevphrc86uWL72ypwlEX2miNXFIaWhybIM47WilU7ok5j7CTcxKCqiOsi5IRp3YgcMrnKDdFihtqH7gw8-gm6MZn~hxAWqCpcf5e2cPM0VrLg~AZdqieReolzMxSB0jCxrp0KFuH87RTyRhrOddaeswfElGXXojdDOo2lDa9DevYHznDRSg5dwLSjVCz5WicSGV2RG18XxCugefvByL~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hammond City Council adopted the city's fiscal year 2025-26 budget on June 24, approving a set of administration- and council-proposed amendments after weeks of work sessions.

Council members reviewed a long amendment list that revised capital projects, moved several drainage and sidewalk projects between fiscal years, and adjusted personnel and revenue line items. The amendments included moving several drainage projects into the 2025-26 year, adding and removing sidewalk projects, and other capital adjustments. Staff said the amendments leave the general fund balanced with a modest ending balance and increase projected sales tax revenues by $1,000,000 in the amended plan.

Public comment focused heavily on sidewalk and drainage needs in multiple neighborhoods, particularly District 3, where residents and Councilman Devon urged immediate sidewalk completion and expressed frustration with perceived planning and communication lapses. One resident described mobility challenges and asked the council to prioritize contiguous sidewalk blocks so wheelchair users could avoid riding in streets.

Council members discussed phase sequencing (drainage before sidewalks), the engineer's recommendations, and the desire to spread projects equitably across districts. After line-by-line consideration of dozens of amendments, the council voted to adopt the budget as amended. Staff reported the amended package left an ending general fund balance of roughly $12,294 and a sales tax fund balance of about $623,060 on the presented figures.

Council instructed staff to return with any additional adjustments as revenue becomes available and noted that specific projects will later require bids and separate contract approvals.","Council approved the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, including a long list of amendments and capital project adjustments after public input about sidewalks, drainage and district priorities; the budget passed as amended with a small projected general fund balance.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6657748,"Council approves garbage rate hike to match contract costs; 60-day notice required",2587,2772000,5359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3&start=2772&end=5359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3/thumbnail_2772000.jpg","/articles/6657748/Hammond/Tangipahoa-Parish/Louisiana/Council-approves-garbage-rate-hike-to-match-contract-costs-60-day-notice-required","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657748-4e5751d6047448125bf09c303fb66698/orig.mp4?Expires=1771065836&Signature=hLmv9OaeVS6etTBCbHdtm-zgQ084ghOXEOTboy3dYWzTIRQ4LR7T8GBZF1G~jPHnpplb2qbFXYoWHWlQS~uyUx~EiV2S0c2~H7Z7FjaaUHEw-wDMrfTdWZnrEmDl6p~h6Fn1KesQGuu2qlwoRw02EqJ8AUti460ui6xtnw~7rhoruuewSZonlLne2EcdWFpfaFjmTzQgVw-hQncMmYyIv3ayoROiVZC3zCEfFujf5QXZ9shXIoZFfWKTQixiePLLwsiZK1laEFWtPwgsMG4VlKzFsxHJ8NQbL~CJ9h-YzaFCAgtsOOX84Zv0gvgSdFLKemJlzKdq7gh~xRqOd0vMCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hammond City Council voted on June 24 to raise the city's monthly fee for twice-weekly garbage collection from $14.08 to $23. City staff told the council the current city subsidy had been approximately $700,000'$800,000 per year and that raising the fee would recoup about $800,000 for capital and infrastructure work.

Staff said the city's contracted cost for twice-weekly service is closer to $23 per household; the council was presented with past bid amounts (Waste Pro, Pelican, AmWaste) and discussion noted annual CPI adjustments in the contract. Staff also said the current contract runs through 2027 and that termination provisions exist but exact costs to break a contract would require a rebid analysis.

Several residents, including seniors and advocates for fixed-income households, urged the council to consider hardships and requested longer notice and options for low-income residents. Staff said usage-based rate structures best protect low-usage customers and that a flat rate could increase bills for fixed-income, low-usage households.

The council approved the ordinance with a 60-day grace period (effective date moved to Sept. 1), and ordered city communications — billing inserts, newspaper notices, website and social media posts — to inform residents. The roll-call vote was 4-1 in favor: Councilman Wells voted no; Councilmen Andrews, Leon, Divatirio and Councilwoman Gonzales voted yes.","The council raised the monthly garbage collection fee from $14.08 to $23 to cover actual contract costs and reduce the city subsidy, and directed a 60-day notice period before the change takes effect.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6657754,"Hammond council adopts water and sewer rate increases; 60-day grace period set",3347,1685000,5032000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3&start=1685&end=5032","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3/thumbnail_1685000.jpg","/articles/6657754/Hammond/Tangipahoa-Parish/Louisiana/Hammond-council-adopts-water-and-sewer-rate-increases-60-day-grace-period-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657754-1c43493d18abd747c794e90424b40f2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771065836&Signature=MeJ-rL92nbH2ULjX7Rug0fV2jPDdfiqQXm9z5BQw1avz534qJETEyXcV1-gCfwVlbTRM6LTb5osO49qg9EV9O5MBTtSnNa-cbIp3xZsqg1jwdARHHEc9pbBsFwPHLT6GQF8cMZQXXfVxw14iZLL8Zauy6ziq9rYqn5TOM9hYKoMSXjfy8zO5KXhXthvpnyaTjAL1cRss5tP837qEtG7YfERRsjMHRfaVUZWQfuZzqMLzeyZgQ3rQI22lUqdOEQKMlbcHHdU3bJr9DPk-75IxnJVDNPQIkSS~A1Xeeu33qP6Ied~yzrPawesDcdow72QxTwlCd6O04PQjJb9VeqDWGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hammond City Council approved an ordinance raising city water and sewer rates on June 24 after staff presented a state-directed rate study showing the city's rates had not been updated since 2017.

City staff member Charles Bauscher told the council the study recommends raising inside-city water from $1.50 to $2.89 per 1,000 gallons and sewer from $3.00 to $5.07 per 1,000 gallons. Staff said outside-city rates would remain roughly double the inside rates as currently structured. Bauscher also noted that adopting the state-recommended minimums would avoid jeopardizing a $5,000,000 state grant tied to wastewater funding.

Public commenters raised affordability concerns for seniors and other fixed-income residents, saying households with limited incomes could face a significant monthly increase. Residents asked the council for an extended notice period and suggested targeted outreach for elderly customers.

Councilman [name not specified in transcript] moved final adoption with a 60-day grace period for the effective date and directed communications to be mailed with bills and posted to the city's website and social media. On roll-call, the ordinance passed 4-1: Councilman Wells voted no; Councilmen Andrews, Leon, Divatirio and Councilwoman Gonzales voted yes.

Staff said usage-based billing was chosen because it preserves lower costs for low-usage (including many fixed-income) households, whereas a flat rate could raise costs for lower-usage customers. The ordinance sets the new rates and instructs staff to provide a notice period to customers before the effective date.","After a state-directed rate study, the council approved higher water and sewer rates for city customers and set the ordinance to take effect 60 days after signature to allow customer notice.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6657758,"Hammond council re-adopts state-adjusted millage rates, approves voter-approved local levies for 2025",1387,3320000,4707000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3&start=3320&end=4707","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066775-28e726e05a333053d93c665534f90ee3/thumbnail_3320000.jpg","/articles/6657758/Hammond/Tangipahoa-Parish/Louisiana/Hammond-council-re-adopts-state-adjusted-millage-rates-approves-voter-approved-local-levies-for-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657758-67a545398a57881a41b0c5278c98ebb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771065836&Signature=JuARP5V-adyi5xx3UgzPLjmBwOHr0~nsgIoH~Uj8SjwxwMIzvFr2Dwdeda28-j64LJ0qr~aOp-RhyXjqu5NycgWUlZfsUVkSGkzr4hQVvA8kbxQgXNgv8WoFpZ7wuQVfHLdxjG1VLbkhVvADyCEkTdGjqxVxC3GWizHdeisTr302zmbueYF8Z-JWUPrR5be9IyINveF0-Jz6Bby9Y7F1M1kIYGDf07dgytGMBFqOslFZ33l7c4dcUTTFskF57tKqM58n6yIq6Y1rdJU51Xrl0oeLiMU6qhgZz-wO1bH19fmQpM6dpryDqX4xs2ZhV3OlJ0n3K12kL~WyVJ78udPf6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hammond City Council on June 24 readopted the state-adjusted millage rates and approved the city's voter-approved levies for the 2025 tax year, a procedural step required by state law before the city may levy its local (voter-approved) amounts.

Council members voted to accept the adjusted rates the state assigned after reassessment and then to adopt the higher voter-approved levies that will be applied in 2025. Council President called for and carried both final adoptions in roll-call votes.

City staff explained that the first vote accepts the state's adjusted rates, which reflect last year's reassessment of property values, and that state statute requires the council to readopt those rates before the city may levy its local (voter-approved) mills. The presentation noted these were not new policy decisions but a required re-adoption of previously voter-approved levies.

The council approved the re-adopted adjusted rates (the state's numbers) and then adopted the city's 2025 levies, which restore the voter-approved levels after the state adjustments.

The measures passed on roll-call votes. The council and staff did not identify any changes in purpose for the mills; the measures establish the levy levels to be applied to the 2025 assessed valuations.","The Hammond City Council readopted state-adjusted millage rates and approved the city's voter-approved local millage levies for 2025 after the required simultaneous adoption under state law.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council tables proposed ordinance restricting alcohol in some city parks after wide public debate

Hammond council adopts FY2025-26 budget with amendments after extensive debate on sidewalks, drainage and capital projects

Council approves garbage rate hike to match contract costs; 60-day notice required

Hammond council adopts water and sewer rate increases; 60-day grace period set

Hammond council re-adopts state-adjusted millage rates, approves voter-approved local levies for 2025