The Oberlin Council dealt with finances and nonpayment of utilities at its meeting on Tuesday, May 19. Discussion on water and sewer rates at the Allen Parish Jail also occurred. All of these funds are being affected and forcing Oberlin to look at what monies it has on hand to pay its own bills.
The discussion of utility collections highlighted how to collect utilities, when shut off of services would occur and how to help its citizens in this time of difficulty while collecting payments. Mayor Joseph “Moochie” Manuel said he had spoken to LMA (Louisiana Municipal Association) inquiring if there were guidelines for collections in accordance with the Governor’s Stay-at-Home order. LMA referred him to the PSC (Public Service Commissioner), which regulates utilities.
Since March, it appeared the town has not collected over $9,000 in utility services. It was decided utilities would be discontinued by May 27, unless the town’s customer had paid their bill or set up a payment plan with the town. The mayor and council said they would work with people, but customers need to work with them too.
With the ending of the fiscal year on June 30, the council has to approve a new budget as well as close its fiscal year. The council set a public hearing for June 8, at 5:30 p.m. before its regular scheduled monthly meeting. Councilman Bobby Thomas asked Charlotte Artis, city clerk, to ask for actual comparisons to illustrate where the town is spending its monies. Artis said a rough draft already has been completed. The meeting will be at the library, and resident may have to wait outside due to the meeting restrictions set by the governor.
The water/sewage rate fee for the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail Number One was discussed. The mayor said he had spoken to Sheriff Doug Hebert III about the fees and asked him to attend the meeting. Councilman Romelzy Willis Jr. wanted to vacate an old contract between Hebert and a former Oberlin council in regards to the fees at that facility, because Oberlin needs the income.
“We’re bleeding money, and they have a surplus,” Romelzy said. The Jail Number One pays $15 for the first 2,000 gallons of usage and $2.50 for every additional 1,000 gallons at this time. The average household in Oberlin is paying $18 for the first 2,000 gallons and $5.50 for every additional 1,000 gallons. The commercial rate is now $40 for the first 2,000 gallons used and $4.50 for every additional 1,000 gallons. Jail Number Two is paying $40/$40 for sewage and water based on consumption.
Councilmen Jonathan “Jay” Lewis and Donald Taylor agreed rates needed to be adjusted. Councilman Wayne Smith said he agreed but didn’t feel right doing anything without speaking to the sheriff first. Lewis said they should send a certified letter to the sheriff. If he didn’t show, then they would have their answer. Others did not think it had to be certified.
It was agreed a letter would be sent to the sheriff asking him to attend the next meeting, so they could discuss costs, fees, usage and decide how to proceed in the future.
The council approved Police Chief Grady K. Haynes’ hiring of James Berry as a part-time officer. Haynes commended his entire department. He said they have worked hard during the COVID-19 epidemic.
“Our whole lives have been changed like everybody else,” Haynes said. “Every effort they have made was to help this town, and I believe they have done a superior job.”
Haynes said the officers responded to an emergency and worked hard with the fire department to try to resuscitate a resident. He said they lost a good kid. “It wasn’t easy, but they went out of their way to help. We commend you on the job you did.”
In other business, the council:
•Adopted the 2019 MWPP (Municipal Wastewater Planning Program) Resolution. The town is now up-to-date in filing this paperwork which allows communities to understand operations and identify and resolve potential problem areas. Artis said last year we were behind. “It helps the town prevent waste water violations.” Councilman Lewis said as the council moves toward the budget process, it will have to put money aside to fix issues in this area.
•Approved the minutes from the March 9, meeting.
•Approved the bills from April and May.
•Discussed the broken town’s tractor on Cotton Gin Road. It’s been there a year and needs to be fixed. The key cannot be found, so the town is going to locate a trailer to move it.
