Harahan council accepts state CEA for Harahan Memorial Phase 2 playground funds; project cost estimates vary
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Summary
Council accepted a cooperative endeavor agreement to receive $300,000 from FP&C and $300,000 from the State Treasury toward a Phase 2 playground at Harahan Playground; councilors said the full project is expected to cost about $700,000 and raised questions about scope and matching funds.
Harahan — The Harahan City Council voted 4-0, with one member absent, on Sept. 14 to authorize Mayor Tim Boudier to sign a cooperative endeavor agreement accepting $300,000 routed through FP&C and another $300,000 expected from State Treasury for Harahan Memorial Phase 2 planning and construction.
Proposed Resolution 2025-16, offered by Councilman Asbill and seconded by Councilman Chatelaine, relates to the second phase of improvements at Harahan Playground, which council and staff described as a new, inclusive, handicap‑accessible playset and associated site work.
Council members and staff discussed differing cost figures in the paperwork and the council discussion. Officials said the council’s best current estimate for the full Phase 2 package is about $700,000; the state allocations discussed total $600,000. Councilors noted that a summary page in the FP&C submission showed $353,525 for one piece of the submittal and that the city must confirm which elements are covered by each funding source.
Council and staff said the resolution accepts the CEAs but does not appropriate city funds. The finance director and council members raised that the city will need to identify the projected $100,000 local match referenced for the FP&C portion and reconcile budget lines before committing city funds.
A council member asked for written confirmation that the state paperwork specifies the funds will be used for the playground and not diverted to the memorial structure itself. Councilman Asbill said he had reviewed the submission when it was filed but would confirm language that could have changed since that filing.
The council approved the resolution; staff said the city expects to begin work early next year if all funding and contracting proceed as planned.
Ending: With the council’s action to accept the CEA, staff will verify grant language, resolve cost‑estimate discrepancies and return to the council for any appropriation or contracting.