By Zoë Pickett
The Town of Cullen Council worked through a lengthy list of agenda items at its recent meeting, while agreeing to raise water rates at $18 per month as a starting point, noting that the state auditor recommended an increase because the town had been “charging too little.”
Leslie Plants from Knight’s Services, outlined pricing for residents, $33.80 per month with Friday pickup, and explained that residents may enroll by phone using a checking account or card. Mayor Terry Hoof said the town will distribute notices door-to-door and online to ensure residents are aware of the change before service begins the first week of December. The council confirmed it is legally out of its previous waste contract.
Financial statements for the month were approved in part, with council members noting that not all documents were available.
Blighted property enforcement remains a priority. Assistant Clerk, Untracy Brittentine, has begun identifying properties requiring cleanup, and residents will soon receive notices allowing them either to clean their property themselves or pay the town to do so. Council members emphasized the need for consistent enforcement and better communication with citizens.
A resolution requesting assistance from the Webster Parish Police Jury for $6,900 in equipment, including chainsaws, pole saws, trimmers, weed eaters, and water pumps, was approved unanimously. Council members said the new tools are needed due to aging equipment and frequent storm-related cleanup.
A proposed grievance policy was tabled after questions arose about legal compliance and potential conflicts of interest. Members referenced an Attorney General’s opinion suggesting grievance committees should include individuals from outside the council. More research will be done before the policy is adopted.
The council also debated the fuel card policy after the police department raised concerns about limited access to gas on weekends and holidays. “We’ll make sure you have gas,” Hoof said, emphasizing that compliance with auditor guidelines remains a priority, but public safety cannot be compromised. It has been reported that the police department has official insurance coverage for its units.
Two major personnel items were added to the agenda in the workshop held before the regular session. The council voted to terminate the previous town clerk, Dominique Parish, and proceed with advertising the position. A proposed restraining order against resident Fran Gipson was also approved following ongoing disruptions during meetings. Council members stressed the need to maintain order and allow meetings to proceed without preventing the public from speaking at appropriate times.
In the mayor’s update, he reported that the town is reviewing tax records and identifying several businesses within Cullen’s limits that are not paying required taxes. The town will contact the assessor’s office to determine why those revenues are not being received.