Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Drainage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee reviews parish‑wide drainage needs, equipment needs and a proposed five‑year master plan
Summary
Public Works presented limited changes to the drainage fund but requested replacement/repair of wash truck, trailers and a towable lift; a council member asked staff to prepare a five‑year drainage master plan because of high long‑term costs; some purchases may be deferred to 2026.
Public Works Director Gene Romero told the Special Finance Committee that the parish’s drainage fund shows no large changes since the prior review but several pieces of equipment are needed, including a wash truck (which may be bid or leased), a towable lift boom for tree trimming, twin‑axle utility trailers to replace aging units and a mechanic truck with a boom to support heavy lifting.
Romero and staff discussed procurement logistics: the wash truck will need to go to bid, final specifications are pending from staff (Michael Clifton), and the parish has money available to purchase the vehicle but leasing did not appear to be cheaper. Council members raised questions about warranties and maintenance obligations if the parish purchases expensive, specialized trucks.
Members also discussed increasing use of contract crews to clear canals and main drainage arteries to free parish employees for other tasks. One member proposed developing a five‑year drainage master plan to scope projects, estimate costs and include them in next year’s budget; several members agreed that drainage work will need to be staged because of high overall cost.
Committee members requested staff investigate traffic control and certification training for workers who perform road and drainage tasks and to return with firmer cost and procurement estimates before the full council budget hearing.
