Bastrop council authorizes application for 2026 LGAP funds for park equipment, debates resolution recordkeeping

The Bastrop City Council on Feb. 4 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for 2026 LGAP (Louisiana Government Assistance Program) funds to acquire large air-conditioning units for a gym and to seek a generator for the Melissa Center if funding is obtained.

A member of the public asked whether the estimated $23,900 figure on the application would be grant-funded or drawn from the general fund; staff clarified LGAP is a legislative grant program with limited funds that requires a council resolution to apply and may result in capital outlay if awards exceed certain thresholds. Staff said award amounts and timing will be known after the legislature finalizes funding, and the resolution itself only permits the city to apply.

Council members also debated a procedural matter: whether to restore the historical practice of circulating physical resolution forms on which members sign and circle "approve/disapprove" to create an explicit, dated signature record. Staff and the city attorney explained that votes are legally reflected in the minutes and that signatures are a courtesy often used for transparency; council members said they want a clearer, consistent record to avoid later disputes about how votes were recorded.

The council agreed to reinstate the signature sheet practice with clarifying steps to ensure the minutes remain the legal record. No additional appropriations were approved at the meeting; the resolution authorizes application only.

Next steps: staff will file the LGAP application, monitor award decisions after the legislative session, and implement the restored signature practice for future resolutions.