Crowley council adopts two fiscal-year budgets, approves parks payment, concessions contract and city inspector appointment

The Crowley City Council on Aug. 12 adopted two ordinances finalizing the city—s operating budgets for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2025, and for the fiscal year beginning Sept. 1, 2025, and ending Aug. 31, 2026. The council also approved a partial construction payment for the urban park and pavilion project, awarded a one-year concessions contract for the city sports complex, confirmed three 2025 beer-and-liquor permits, and approved the appointment of a new city inspector.

The budgets were the meeting—s central votes. Ordinance 15-50 (amending and finalizing the FY 2024–25 budget) was offered by Alderwoman Sandra Marks and seconded by Alderman Byron Wilridge and carried on a roll-call vote in which all recorded members voted yes. Ordinance 15-51 (adoption of the FY 2025–26 budget) was offered by Alderman Jeff Coors and seconded by Marks and likewise passed by roll call.

Why it matters: the budget votes set the city—s revenue and spending plan and were accompanied by extended council discussion about the city—s financial resilience, reserves and neighborhood blight. Several council members and the mayor cited concerns about rising poverty and the need to build reserves to avoid repeated reliance on one-time federal aid.

During discussion before the budget vote, Mayor Mossell and council members said cleaning up blighted properties and enforcing code were part of the strategy to increase the city—s appeal to businesses and boost tax revenues. The mayor reported that, as of Aug. 15, 2025, 95 properties had been adjudicated in recent action, with 13 redeemed; the mayor described adjudication and remediation of neglected properties as part of a broader effort to address poverty and attract investment.

Park project and payment: the council approved Partial Payment No. 9 for the parks and pavilions project, paying Prestige Construction Group LLC $81,861.98. The payment was moved by Alderman Byron Wilridge and seconded by Alderman Dickie Lachele; the motion carried with one recorded dissent from Alderman Vernon Martin, who questioned whether payments matched work completed. CSRS Inc. consultant Lewis Sabb and Prestige—s Dylan Wyatt reported the project is behind schedule but said the contractor remains committed to finishing the foundation and other work. Council members raised specific concerns about: the sidewalk slope at the main entrance and ADA access; temporary chain-link fencing and plans for permanent fencing; stormwater drainage near the entrance; and on-site security and cameras. Staff said permanent fencing and the building were scheduled to be in place before the Rice festival and that stormwater improvements remain in progress.

Concessions contract: the council authorized the mayor to enter into a one-year, renewable contract for operation of concession stands at the city—s sports complex (recorded in the minutes as the Tony Robichaud/Tony Roby/"Toner Grove" Sports Complex). The winning proposal was from Game Time Grub, a company described in the record as an LLC formed by owners of Sam—s Arcade and Sam—s Bar. The contract begins Sept. 1, is renewable annually, includes a 60-day termination clause for convenience, and requires vendors to provide insurance and required business paperwork. Council members emphasized that the city will not directly supervise concession operations; rather, feedback from tournament directors and the community will guide any city response, and the city retains the right to terminate for unsatisfactory performance.

Appointments and permits: the council accepted the resignation of City Inspector Tony Dujon effective Sept. 12, 2025, and approved the appointment of Marty Deracell (recorded in the minutes as Marty "Deracell"/Deracelle) as city inspector effective Sept. 2, 2025. The public safety committee reported three separate motions approving 2025 beer-and-liquor permits for Winter Circle (2816 E. Hargrave St.), City Bar (102 N. Avenue F) and Mr. Gaddy—s Pizza (2218 N. Parkston Ave.); in each of those votes Alderman Samuel Reggie recused himself and the motions carried.

Other business: the council heard routine committee reports from public works, utilities, recreation and other committees; city officials noted there were no action items from several monthly engineering reports. Council members also discussed the need for reserve funds, a replacement line item for capital and vehicles, and continuing to use federal ARPA funds and other one-time sources cautiously.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 15-50 (FY 2024–25 operating budget): Offered by Alderwoman Sandra Marks; seconded by Alderman Byron Wilridge. Outcome: Adopted; roll-call recorded unanimous yes. - Ordinance 15-51 (FY 2025–26 operating budget): Offered by Alderman Jeff Coors; seconded by Alderwoman Marks. Outcome: Adopted; roll-call recorded unanimous yes. - Partial Payment No. 9, Parks & Pavilions project (Prestige Construction Group LLC): Motion by Alderman Byron Wilridge; second by Alderman Dickie Lachele. Outcome: Approved; payment $81,861.98; vote carried with one opposed (Alderman Vernon Martin). - Concessions contract (Game Time Grub) for city sports complex: Offered by Alderman Vernon Martin; seconded by Alderman Byron Wilridge. Outcome: Approved; one-year renewable contract beginning Sept. 1; 60-day convenience clause; vendor insurance required. - Appointment of city inspector (Marty Deracell): Motion to approve appointment offered by Alderman Kaur; seconded by Alderwoman Marks. Outcome: Approved; effective Sept. 2, 2025. Resignation of Tony Dujon accepted effective Sept. 12, 2025. - 2025 Beer & Liquor permits (Winter Circle; City Bar; Mr. Gaddy's Pizza): Motions moved in public safety committee; Sam Reggie recused on each; motions carried.

The council recessed after routine reports and adjourned following approval of the posted agenda items. Council members asked staff to continue monitoring park construction progress, stormwater connections at the park entrance, and security for the site ahead of scheduled events.