Sulphur introduces state-funded CEAs totaling $275,000 amid public calls for clearer plans

The City of Sulphur on Oct. 14 introduced three cooperative endeavor agreements (CEAs) funded by recent legislative allocations: $50,000 for senior center upgrades (Act 461/Ordinance 77-25), $100,000 for fire hydrant replacement (Ordinance 78-25), and $125,000 for a project to be determined (Ordinance 79-25). The introductions advance the process so the city can meet state deadlines, but they do not authorize expenditure until final agreements and scopes are approved.

Resident Wendy Wingate pressed council members for details and said she wanted it on the record that "there is no CEA attached and that if they vote yes, they are voting to enter into an agreement that they have not yet seen." Wingate asked about timelines, whether these funds extend prior appropriations, and for evidence that previous funds were spent as intended. She also requested reports from the city's hydrant inventory.

Mayor Danahey and staff responded that introductions are procedural steps required by charter and that final CEAs and project scopes will be provided for the council's consideration before final approval. "That money was allocated by the legislature," the mayor said, noting the state delivers CEAs and the council's vote to introduce permits time to prepare and review documents before final action.

Staff said hydrant inventories are ongoing and that officials can provide records if requested. Council members and the mayor urged that if members are unhappy with the final CEA language when it is presented, they can vote against final approval or defer action. The introductions carried by roll call.