By Bonnie Culverhouse
The Town of Sibley had a clean audit to kick off the first meeting of the new year, according to Travis Morehart, the town’s CPA.
Morehart said the audit was on the year ending June 30, 2024.
“You had no trouble with your documentation … there are no findings in the audit,” he said.
There was an increase in cashflow of around $25,000, he said, and managing water and sewer rates is important as a “year to year thing. We do 10 to 15 towns,” he continued, referring to his accounting firm, “and everybody is having to watch their rates.”
Mayor Robert Smart said in order to qualify for a grant, Sibley will “have to go up on their water rates. The way the government is right now, if your rates aren’t where the government sets your rates to be, you do not qualify for government money. It’s just as simple as that. They won’t even accept your application.”
Smart said he has studied other towns that have not had recent rate increases.
“One was required to make a 70 percent increase, just to qualify for the program,” he said. “I can’t even fathom a 70 percent increase.”
Smart said he foresees a five to six percent increase for Sibley to stay within compliance for a grant.
Morehart went on to say there is a lot going on in Sibley.
“For the year, you decreased your general fund balance by 59 thousand and your sales tax by about 100 thousand,” he pointed out. “You got your land (subdivision) up there to pay for … but you ended the year with some reserves.”
Prior to the meeting, Webster Parish Clerk of Court Holli Vining administered the oath of office to Smart, Chief of Police Jeremy Robinson and aldermen Wayne Bolton, Pam Chanler, Richard Davis, John Langford and Keith Merritt.
The following appointments were made for 2025:
• Richard Davis – Mayor Pro Tempore
• Sherry McCann – Town Clerk and Tax Collector
• Kitchens Law Firm – Town Attorney
• Minden Press-Herald – Official Journal
In other business:
• Introduction to a proposed ordinance adopting a franchise agreement with Entergy Louisiana INC. for February 10, 2025;
• A resolution keeping the mayor, town clerk and new mayor pro tem on the town’s bank accounts;
• A resolution for Webster Parish Police Jury’s annual culvert installation;
• Reports by Sibley Fire and Police departments; and
• Monthly financial report.
