Church Point area prepping for capital outlay projects

By Jeannine LeJeune Crowley Post-Signal

The passage of the new tax in the Church Point area in March must have felt like Christmas to those who have wanted to build in the area.
In March, Church Point School District No. 6 approved a new tax, 10 mills for 10 years, put forth by the Acadia Parish School Board.
It passed overwhelmingly, with 64 percent of the vote – results that went final officially after the School Board meeting’s official approval.
Monday night, during the board’s Budget and Finance Committee meeting, Superintendent John Bourque presented an idea to get the ball rolling.
“I would propose we loan $3 million to that district,” said Bourque during the meeting. “That way we can get those major projects going and being used wisely.”
Under the plan, the board would loan the district $3 million, which would be paid back over a period of nine years at 3 percent interest.
“I think it’s advantageous to all of us,” said Bourque.
Meanwhile, not only does that mean the board will get revenue as time progresses, but it means the area can begin to look at projects that need to be tackled and start working on them sooner rather than later.
“We were fortunate to pass new revenue in the Church Point area, and when you pass it, everyone wants Christmas to come quick,” said Bourque. “(With the plan) we can show progress and that it’s being handled wisely.”
On a motion by Board President Doug Lacombe that was seconded by board member David Lalande, the committee agreed to move the recommendation favorably to the full board.
The full board meets at 5 p.m. Monday and has the opportunity to approve the recommendation. Upon doing so, then the area and the board can begin deciding what projects it should tackle first to begin the bidding process.
“If we say yes on May 2, we can’t start construction until July 1,” said Bourque. “But, some of the construction needs to be done before school starts. So, it’s a really fast time line, but this puts everything into focus.”

PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT

Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from Eunice, LA. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!

Twitter icon
Facebook icon

Follow Us

Subscriber Links