By Shannon Wright
The Town of Sibley held a public hearing March 9 at Sibley Town Hall to discuss an ordinance affecting tractor-trailer rigs on local streets.
During the public hearing, the council discussed Ordinance 152-A, which prohibits 18-wheel tractor-trailer traffic on streets within the town limits except on Highways 371 and 164 unless a permit is obtained.
One resident in attendance asked if the ordinance would prevent her husband, a truck driver, from bringing his truck home. The mayor and council clarified that parking a tractor at home would still be allowed, as long as it does not include a loaded trailer.
Town officials said their concern centers on the weight of loaded trailers, noting that more than $1 million dollars has recently been spent repairing local roads that are not designed to handle that weight.
Council members said alternate routes are available for trucks hauling heavy loads, though they acknowledged it may be inconvenient.
Local companies that may be affected are encouraged to contact Sibley Town Hall with any questions or concerns. Permits will cost $750 per truck annually, and the mayor said letters will likely be sent to notify local businesses about the ordinance.
Prior to the regular March 9 meeting, the council met in a special session February 16 to discuss and adopt two resolutions related to potential state funding.
Resolution 01-2026 authorizes Mayor Robert Smart to apply for Community Water Enrichment Funding in the amount of $35,000 to purchase Neptune radio-read meters for the town’s water distribution system.
The council also adopted Resolution 02-2026, which authorizes Smart to apply for Local Government Assistance Program funding in the amount of $35,000. If approved, those funds will be used to rehabilitate lift stations for the town’s sewer system.
“This is something that we apply for every year,” Smart told residents in attendance. “We have been very fortunate to get it in years past, but I have been told that things have tightened up so we’re not sure we will get it this go ’round, but we’re hopeful.”
Another ordinance discussed during the hearing was Ordinance 163, which prohibits door-to-door selling without a permit within the town limits. Officials said the measure is intended to help prevent scams and to keep residents safe.
Residents are encouraged to ask anyone selling products door-to-door to show a permit. If a permit cannot be produced, the council encourages residents to notify Town Hall immediately so the situation can be addressed.
Both ordinances were approved by the council.
In other business, Town Clerk Sherry McCann presented information on a Louisiana Department of Justice Outreach Program organized by Attorney General Liz Murrill. The program offers workshops in communities on topics such as elderly fraud, cyber safety for children and teens, fair housing, landlord-tenant laws, veterans resources, and assistance for natural disaster victims.
“These workshops typically last between 30 minutes and one hour and are offered free of charge,” said McCann, “and the Attorney General encourages citizen participation and discussion.”
Council members recognized that this will be ideal in bringing communities and residents together and also keeping residents educated and informed on important matters. The council discussed the possibility of hosting the sessions monthly and inviting residents from surrounding towns to participate in order to encourage greater community involvement. More information will be discussed in a future meeting.
It was announced that the Sibley Volunteer Fire Department will host its 47th Annual Bass Tournament on Lake Bistineau on March 28. Registration will be held March 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sibley Town Hall, where participants will receive the tournament rules. Weigh-in will take place at 3 p.m. at the Port of Bistineau.
Town officials said the long-running event is not only a tradition but also is an important fundraiser that helps the fire department maintain its building, equipment and other operational needs.
Mayor Smart also paused to expressed appreciation for a women’s inmate work crew that recently began assisting the town. The crew includes one female deputy and five female inmates.
“This is the first time we’ve had a woman deputy and five women inmates to work, and it’s going very well,” Smart said. “They take pride in the work they are doing and it is noticed and appreciated. They are currently on trash detail and the town is already looking much better. They picked up 18 sacks of garbage off the side of the road in one day.”
Council members also addressed an increase in littering and asked residents to keep trash inside their vehicles and dispose of it properly.
Residents are also encouraged to participate in “Love the Boot Week” in April by cleaning up their own properties. The town will not hold its annual cleanup day this year due to the cost but encourages citizens to take part individually.
Officials said the town is also continuing efforts to address blighted properties within the town limits. Some steps have already been taken, but additional action will be needed in certain cases.
In lighter news, the new playground equipment has been cleaned and is expected to be installed around the middle of the month.
“There are good things happening in Sibley,” Smart said.
Residents are encouraged to follow the Sibley Town Hall Facebook page for updates, announcements and information about upcoming events.
The mayor and council also emphasized the importance of community involvement and reminded residents that Town Council meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.