By Shannon Wright

In Sibley’s regular town council meeting Monday, alderman Keith Merritt raised concern for entering a 25-year franchise contract with Entergy.

“If something were to happen, I don’t want to be in the situation that Minden has been in for so long,” Merritt stated.

Proposed ordinance No. 161 was on the agenda to be considered by the council. This ordinance is essentially a renewal of the current franchise contract between the Town of Sibley and Entergy Louisiana, Inc. However, council members and citizens alike expressed their concerns about the length of the contract.

One resident in attendance asked what the proposal entails. Cindy Gordon with Entergy was able to give a brief explanation.

“It gives us, Entergy Louisiana, the permission to operate within the town limits – we can maintain, we can construct and whatever needs to be [done] in order to provide electrical service within the town,” Gordon said.

There are no terms or conditions that will change, the contract is simply up for renewal and the council states that Entergy is still the best option for the Town of Sibley and the citizens.

The town is paid a certain percentage of the total sales receipts from the franchise so continuing with the franchise agreement is beneficial to the town. However, there are no perks to entering into a longer contract.

“I don’t see the value of doing a 25-year contract when there’s no benefit to it,” said Merritt.

Although a 25-year contract is standard for Entergy, the council proposed a 15-year contract instead, giving the town a way out sooner if the need were to arise.

Proposed ordinance No. 161 will be revised and considered in the next meeting, March 10.

The council meeting is held on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Sibley Town Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.