From Town Hall

Updates, Projects, and Decisions from local governments from Avoyelles Parish

By: Amy Ducote

Local governments across Avoyelles Parish handled several new matters during September, including annexation plans, road work, property cleanup efforts, school safety and infrastructure funding.

Marksville

Marksville officials approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Avoyelles Parish School Board involving $2,500 for a school resource officer at the high school.

The council was also told that a city street project was expected to begin during Sept. following a preconstruction conference. Officials are also awaiting additional information concerning Bayou Pierre.

The council approved purchasing cellar-style water meters after officials said they would be more beneficial to the city and cost about $40 less than meters previously considered. Two new trucks for the sewer department were also approved.

Cottonport

Cottonport officials discussed water and sewer problems along Indian Bayou during their Sept. meeting. The town plans to contact the Louisiana Rural Water Association to investigate the issue.

Mansura

Mansura officials scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 12 at 5:45 p.m. on a proposed horse ordinance.

Town Engineer Thomas David also reported that the Tony Road overlay project had been advertised, while Mayor Kenneth Pickett said David is looking into grant funding to address abandoned houses and properties with overgrown grass.

The council also appointed Melissa Becker of the Rapides Area Planning Commission as the town’s floodplain manager.

Bunkie

Bunkie agreed to participate in the Avoyelles Parish Litter Abatement Program, allowing the city to work with the parish on litter enforcement within municipal limits.

The council also donated a surplus GMC pumper truck to the Moreauville Volunteer Fire Dept. after determining the vehicle was no longer needed by the Bunkie Fire Dept.

Moreauville

Moreauville officials reported that Pan American Engineers submitted a $1.1 million Delta Regional Authority funding application that includes replacement of an existing water main.

The village will also rebid its 2026 system-wide inflow improvement project after bids exceeded the money available for construction. Engineers will revise the plans and specifications before the project is advertised again.

Officials also approved moving forward with a Capital Outlay application for sidewalk improvements along Main St. and Bayou des Glaises to La. 1.

Plaucheville

Plaucheville approved allowing St. Joseph’s School to use Town Hall as an evacuation site in the event of an active shooter threat and the community center as an evacuation location for fire or bomb threats during the 2026-27 school year.

The village also approved trading in its red tractor, valued at $14,000, toward the purchase of a new John Deere tractor costing $38,000.

Hessmer

Hessmer officials reported that all required repairs to water tower No. 2 have been completed and the tower has passed inspection by the Department of Health.

The village also introduced an ordinance requesting the annexation of Steven Drive into the Hessmer municipal limits.

Simmesport

Simmesport residents raised concerns about drainage, overgrown ditches and clogged culverts, particularly how the system would handle another period of heavy rainfall.

Town officials said drainage work is moving forward and FEMA assistance may be sought for washouts and related projects.

Residents and officials also discussed clearing weeds and debris from ditches and bayou banks and possibly renting a mulching attachment for the town’s excavator.

The town was also asked to clean up along the route of the ARISE Cancer Walk and Health Fair, set for Oct. 17 at the Floyd and Dorothy Lecour Event Center.

Evergreen

Evergreen officials did not move forward with the introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-5, concerning an annual rate increase, during the Sept. 8 meeting. The ordinance was not introduced because no motion was made.

Avoyelles Parish Police Jury

The Avoyelles Parish Police Jury approved submitting an LCDBG grant application for the demolition of substandard properties during its Sept. 8 meeting. The action comes as the parish continues working to address abandoned and deteriorated structures.