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Council considers hiring PEC for CDBG application; public presses for fee and document clarity
Summary
Council moved to add a resolution authorizing Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) to administer a CDBG application but public commenters and some council members flagged a discrepancy in the fee (packet shows $45,000; presenter referenced $4,500). The council agreed to clarify figures and invited the attorney general's office to advise on document availability.
Bogalusa City Council on Oct. 21 introduced a resolution to employ Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) to provide grant-administration and management services for a Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for FY 2026–27.
The presenter said the packet included PEC’s engagement and referenced an administrative fee. At different points during discussion council members and residents noted conflicting figures in the packet and presentation: one passage and attendees' printed materials showed $45,000, while the presenter at first cited $4,500. A resident asked, "Is it $4,500 or $45,000?" and the council committed to clarifying the correct amount before further action; a council member suggested tabling the item until the discrepancy is resolved.
Several residents said the council had not made supporting documents available online before the meeting and cited Louisiana RS 42:17.2 to argue that documents should be electronically accessible in advance. The presenter responded that the city had consulted with the attorney general’s office and believed it had met minimum requirements but agreed to invite the AG’s office to the next council meeting for clarification. The clerk said that if the grant application is not awarded, no fees would be charged.
Why it matters: the PEC contract would make PEC the applicant’s administrative agent for a CDBG application that could bring infrastructure or other project funding to the city; the administrative fee amount affects grant budgeting and public scrutiny. Residents also pressed for better pre-meeting publication of documents so the public and council can review bids and budgets in advance.
The council scheduled follow-up and agreed to clarify the fee (and related packet materials) at the next meeting; the clerk said if the grant is awarded, administrative fees would be paid from grant funds and the council would return for appropriation of any subsequent spending.
