Simmesport Secures $465,000 for water system

Water tower ownership, old debt and town spending spark lengthy debate

By Amy Ducote

Simmesport officials are moving forward with a $465,000 state-funded water system improvement project while also dealing with old municipal debt and equipment concerns. A lengthy debate followed during the town’s August meeting regarding an unresolved dispute over the Highway 105 water tower.

During a special meeting, the Town Council approved a resolution giving the town’s court-appointed fiscal administrator authority to handle paperwork needed to access the capital outlay funding.

Officials said the money is restricted to water-system improvements and will be drawn as eligible bills are submitted to the state.

Plans discussed include work on the town’s SCADA system, repairs to a water well, installation of additional shutoff valves and other improvements to the water system.

Engineers are expected to review earlier estimates and meet with town personnel to determine which projects remain priorities before bids are sought.

One official noted that it had been about eight years since Simmesport received a grant of this type.

The special meeting also included discussion of two road repair projects. Engineering and construction costs were estimated at about $14,850 for work near Lurwood and Mission streets and along Martin Luther King Drive.

The projects still require final approval before moving forward.

Water tower debate dominates discussion

One of the longest discussions during the regular August meeting centered on the Highway 105 water tower serving the Port Commission area.

Officials said lower water consumption means Simmesport is primarily using its Highway 1 tower, while the Highway 105 tower requires additional flushing and chemical treatment because water is not moving through it at the same rate.

The tower also needs an inspection estimated at $4,000 to $5,000 and SCADA system work estimated at $16,000 to $20,000.

That led to an extended debate over whether the town should continue spending money on a tower it may not legally own.

Town Attorney Kirk said the Port Commission owns the land beneath the tower, but he does not have a clear signed and notarized document proving who owns the tower itself.

He said Simmesport has operated, controlled and maintained the tower as part of the municipal water system since it was built, while some council members argued that the Port Commission has historically claimed ownership.

The discussion became heated at times as officials debated whether the town could shut down the tower, close a valve, cut off water service to the port or continue maintaining equipment located on land owned by another public entity.

The town attorney repeatedly said the central issue must first be resolved: who owns the tower and associated infrastructure.

He warned that if the dispute cannot be settled through an agreement, litigation to determine ownership could cost Simmesport an estimated $25,000 to $30,000.

Council members also debated conflicting guidance over whether water service to the port could legally remain connected while the issue is being negotiated.

The town attorney said the court-appointed fiscal administrator had directed that service not be cut off while negotiations were underway.

Other officials raised concerns about whether continuing service without a written agreement could conflict with state law.

The attorney said the fiscal administrator has authority over the town’s financial decisions under the existing court order.

A proposed 13- to 14-page agreement is being reviewed in an effort to define ownership, access and responsibility for the tower and related infrastructure.

Debt and spending questioned

Financial issues also prompted considerable discussion.

Officials reported approximately $179,960 in state-related debt dating back to 2022 and 2023. The town is paying its regular monthly obligations along with an additional $2,000 per month toward that balance.

Simmesport also reported owing the Louisiana Department of Health approximately $64,595 in safe-drinking-water fees that had not been paid beginning in 2022. Officials said current charges are being paid while the older balance is being addressed.

Other financial matters included an unpaid Motorola contract for police equipment, past invoices involving Sustainability Partners and approximately $10,000 in gas-department obligations.

Officials also debated equipment maintenance and employee responsibilities.

More than $1,672 had been spent on lawnmower repairs since the beginning of the year, leading to questions about whether equipment was being properly maintained and stored.

Council members and town officials also argued over the use of the dump trailer, drainage work, grass cutting and whether routine maintenance was being completed.

There was also extended discussion about staffing at the sewer plant after officials said an employee stopped performing duties there without notifying town leadership. The town had previously spent money cleaning tanks and repairing a pump, but officials said sludge had begun building up again.

That discussion expanded into a disagreement over employee schedules, overtime eligibility and whether work-hour changes had been properly approved and reflected in town policy.

A town water well that has begun pumping sand also needs repairs estimated at $26,200. Officials said that work is being held while the town waits on grant funding.

The town reported collecting $46,759.35 in July, bringing collections from January through July to $320,423.23.