Council approves Hurricane Ida project management task order, canvasses special-election millages and clears batch of demolition contracts

The Lafourche Parish Council on July 14 approved a set of administrative actions including a task order for Hurricane Ida project management services, the canvass of a June 27 special election, and a batch of demolition contracts.

The council voted to approve task order number 4 with Elos Environmental LLC for Hurricane Ida project management services after questions about how many buildings remain under the firm’s purview. Parish President Mitch said five structures remain under the firm’s oversight — the historic courthouse, the district attorney’s office/court complex in Thibodaux, the sheriff’s office, the coroner’s office and the annex (which remains on punch-list work). The motion passed by voice vote: seven ayes, one nay (Councilman Araby); one member was absent (Pierce).

The council canvassed and declared the returns from the June 27 special election, authorizing the continuance of three ad valorem/millage measures for 10 years (2026–2035): 0.83 mills for public health units, 1.67 mills for recreational facilities and activities, and 2.52 mills for public buildings. The motion to declare the returns passed by voice vote (8 yays, 0 nays, 1 absence).

Council members also approved a large series of nuisance-abatement demolition contracts across the parish. Multiple low quotes were accepted — several awards went to Advanced Service Group LLC and to Chassonne/Chaisson-related demolition firms — totaling tens of thousands of dollars per contract and representing about $94,200 across the next set of properties, the parish president said. Votes on these resolutions were recorded as unanimous where noted (typical tallies: 8 yays, 0 nays, 1 absence).

Why it matters: The project-management award affects how parish capital repairs tied to Hurricane Ida will be administered and reported to FEMA; the canvass of the special-election returns confirms multi-year tax measures that will affect parish budgets; the demolition contracts clear condemned properties but create follow-on maintenance costs for the parish.

What happens next: The parish president and staff will continue project management with Elos Environmental; the millage continuations will appear as adopted for the specified 2026–2035 term; demolition crews will proceed under the awarded contracts.

Sources: Council debate and voice votes during the July 14 Lafourche Parish Council meeting.