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Kinder council accepts FY2024/25 audit, adopts three infrastructure resolutions and hires part‑time officer
Summary
At its Jan. 5 meeting the Town of Kinder council accepted the FY2024/25 audit, retained Royce Scimemi for the FY2025/26 audit, unanimously adopted three resolutions to replace water and gas infrastructure, accepted a zoning‑board resignation and approved hiring a post‑certified part‑time police officer.
The Town of Kinder council on Jan. 5 accepted the FY2024/25 audit, adopted three resolutions to fund replacement of aging water and gas infrastructure and approved hiring a post‑certified part‑time police officer, while Mayor Wayland LaFargue announced two upcoming police retirements.
Mayor Wayland LaFargue opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and announced that Chief of Police Paul Courville will retire effective Feb. 28, 2026, and that Lt. Brian Fontenot will retire Jan. 31, 2026; the mayor extended his appreciation for their decades of service. Chief Courville thanked his family, officers and the mayor and council for support during his 38 years with the department.
Auditor Royce Scimemi presented the FY2024/25 audit and noted findings including Local Government Budget Act compliance issues and an item relating to Louisiana public bid law and a vehicle trade‑in. The council voted 5-0 to accept the FY2024/25 audit and separately voted 5-0 to retain Royce Scimemi to perform the FY2025/26 audit.
Town Attorney Michael Holmes brought three resolutions to the council. The council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026‑01 to allow Town Clerk Cynthia Tunwar to serve as an alternate director for the Louisiana Municipal Gas Association (LMGA); Resolution 2026‑02, to pursue Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) support to replace aged and deteriorated water lines and valves; and Resolution 2026‑03, to pursue Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) funding to replace aged gas meters and registers. Each resolution passed on a 5-0 vote.
In personnel matters, Chief Courville asked the council to approve the hiring of Michael Hill as a post‑certified, part‑time police officer; the council approved the hire by a 5-0 vote. The council also accepted the voluntary resignation of Brittney Taylor from the zoning board (Taylor had been appointed prior to town employment) by unanimous vote.
Rhett Deselle of Pan American Engineers updated the council on the status of the wastewater treatment plant, the Nixon Addition drainage project and the Clearance Project, which is awaiting an approval letter before the town can accept bids and advertise. Councilwoman LaToya Tunwar asked about replacing or appointing a new police chief; Mayor LaFargue said the town has until Feb. 28 and 20 days thereafter to appoint a replacement. Tunwar also requested that Tom David of Pan American Engineers attend the next meeting regarding a condemnation hearing (Case No. 2024‑20, 1301 Carver Ave., Francis Bellow Estate).
Votes at a glance: the council recorded unanimous (5-0) votes to approve the Dec. 1, 2025 minutes; accept the FY2024/25 audit; retain Royce Scimemi for FY2025/26 audit services; hire Michael Hill as a part‑time, post‑certified police officer; adopt Resolutions 2026‑01 (LMGA), 2026‑02 (CWEF) and 2026‑03 (LGAP); and accept Brittney Taylor’s resignation from the zoning board. The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
The council did not receive public comment on agenda items during the meeting. The council asked staff and engineers for follow‑up on the Clearance Project bid approval and scheduled Pan American Engineers’ participation at the next meeting for the condemnation hearing.
