St. Martinville City Council approves three-month payment plan for higher February electric charges

The St. Martinville City Council on March 6 approved a three-month payment plan to help residents cover an increased electric portion of the February 28, 2026 utility bill after Mayor Jason Willis recommended the measure.

Councilwoman Flo Chatman moved that “a three-month payment plan be created to assist residents with the increased electric portion of their February 28, 2026 utility bill,” a motion that Councilwoman Janise Anthony seconded and the council carried unanimously. Present for the vote were Mayor Jason Willis, Councilman Jonas Fontenette, Councilwoman Janise Anthony and Councilwoman Flo Chatman; Councilmen Mike Fuselier and Councilwoman Carol Frederick were recorded absent.

The council recorded the reason for the increase as a substantial rise in the fuel charge, a pass-through cost associated with the price of fuel used to generate electricity. Under the plan, the electric portion of the Feb. 28, 2026 bill will be divided into three equal payments due in March, April and May 2026. Those installments are to be paid in addition to each customer’s regular monthly utility payment. The council specified that utility accounts must be current and active and may not have an outstanding balance prior to the Feb. 28, 2026 bill; no late fee or penalty will be assessed on the Feb. 28, 2026 bill.

The motion was recorded as unanimously carried. With no further business, Mayor Willis adjourned the special meeting; minutes were attested by City Clerk Lorrie M. Poirier.