By Shannon Wright
The Village of Doyline held its regular monthly Town Council meeting, the first of the new year, on Monday, January 5. While meetings are typically held at the Town Hall, this month’s meeting took place at the Community Center in uptown due to remodeling at the Town Hall.
The updates to Town Hall are long overdue, and with the brand-new Webster Parish Library opening just last week, village officials felt it was time for the municipal building to receive a facelift as well. The minor renovations are expected to be completed within the next few days.
In the primary discussion of the meeting, Travis Morehart, the village’s CPA, presented the annual review with attestation procedure, which is similar to an audit report. Once again, the Village of Doyline was reported to be in good financial standing.
Morehart explained that he had previously talked with Town Clerk, Myra Kilburn, to address one minor ongoing issue that often affects small municipalities, noting that it will now be resolved after making an adjustment in the books.
Speaking about the sewer department, he stated, “It’s paying some of its own bills where it hasn’t in the past; the general fund had to pay them.”
Regarding the general fund, Morehart said, “This is the best it’s looked since I’ve been doing it,” adding that “the village is in the best financial condition it’s been in for many, many years.”
As he did last year, Morehart praised Town Clerk Myra Kilburn for her work, telling officials, “Keep your clerk.” He went on to say, “A good clerk makes all the difference; otherwise it can be tough.” He noted that the mayor and council are fortunate to have a strong clerk serving the village.
In a phone interview following the meeting, Mayor Christie Carter Gates echoed that appreciation for the town’s staff.
“Myra has 32 years of clerk experience, and we are blessed to have her on our team here in Doyline,” Gates said. “It’s nice not to have to worry about the daily operations of the town, but it’s especially nice to work with someone who has so much knowledge when it comes to the town’s finances.”
Gates also credited the town’s leadership team, adding, “You pair that with our team of aldermen who have the town’s best interest at heart, and you have a team that’s hard to beat.”
In addition to the annual financial report, the council discussed culvert installations and the use of Webster Parish Police Jury funds. Resolutions were passed addressing both matters.
As a reminder, the Doyline Town Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Doyline Town Hall. All residents are encouraged to attend and stay informed on local issues affecting the community.