Iowa council adopts $2.96 million budget, approves part-time dispatcher hire

The Town of Iowa, Louisiana, Town Council voted July 14 to adopt the 2025–26 operating budget, approving Ordinance No. 2025-03 that sets total General Fund revenues and expenditures at $2,960,061 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025.

Mayor Douglas N. Watkins read the ordinance and opened the floor for discussion. Chief of Police Keith Vincent told council members he had met with the mayor, the town attorney and two council members earlier in July and had proposed budget cuts; he also requested approval to hire a part-time dispatcher to replace a recent resignation. Councilman Daniel Hennigan said he supported passing the proposed budget now and making reasonable amendments later.

Council moved to amend the agenda to add Chief Vincent’s hiring recommendation. On a motion by Daniel Hennigan, seconded by Joe Becnel, the council voted to hire Tabitha Whetstine as a part-time dispatcher; that hiring motion passed unanimously.

The budget ordinance was then approved on a motion by Daniel Hennigan, seconded by Vernessa Guillory. The roll call produced four yeas (Joe Becnel, Julie Fontenot, Gerald Guidry and Vernessa Guillory) and one nay (Daniel Hennigan). Mayor Watkins signed the ordinance, which the minutes record as adopted in the July meeting.

The minutes include detailed line items for multiple funds presented as part of the adopted budget. Among the figures listed: General Fund revenues and expenditures, each $2,960,061; LACDBG revenues/expenditures of $240,495 for demolition/capacity outlay; and City Water Works revenues and expenditures each $2,855,467. The council did not amend those line items at the July 14 meeting.

Next steps: the clerk recorded the ordinance and signature lines appear in the minutes. Any future amendments to department allocations were discussed as possible but would require subsequent formal action by the council.