Morgan City Council honors two police officers

The Morgan City Council passed its 2022-23 budget Tuesday after passing along some praise to two Morgan City police officers.

The consolidated budget approved without objection Tuesday calls for no major changes in personnel or services. The anticipated revenue is $51.3 million, about $2.1 million more than the city expects to spend.

Overall revenue is expected to be up 16% while spending is up 17% from last year.

The bulk of the spending increase comes in capital outlay, where the city expects to spend $5.5 million.

The city government has been approved for a $4 million grant through the state Water Sector program that will be matched by $1 million in local funds.

That grant will go toward updating the city’s aging water plant.

Mayor Lee Dragna said the city is competing for another grant from the Water Sector program, which distributes federal COVID relief funds, for an upgrade of the city’s sewer system.

Local governments have generally budgeted conservatively since a local economic downturn began in fall 2014, and this year is no different in Morgan City. With inflation running at 8%, the city is expecting $8.7 million in tax revenue, or about 2% less than in 2021-22.

At least one aspect of the city’s financial picture could change in the coming year. Dragna and the City Council are looking for ways to fund a pay increase for police officers and firefighters, who are paid significantly less than the average in this area.

Before he resigned as police chief earlier this year, James F. Blair told the council that starting police officers make 25% than the average for communities from Franklin to Houma.

Budget Committee meetings have focused on the issue, but no specific proposal has come forward.

In other police-related matters, the council congratulated John Schaff, who has been promoted to captain.

Schaff will continue to serve as the department’s public information officer.

Also Tuesday, the council praised some sharp-eared police work.

Chief Chad M. Adams said that on Oct. 25, Officer Ateleigh Braud answered an animal complaint call.

Braud heard dogs barking, but she also heard power tools at night in the residential neighborhood.

Braud found and arrested a man trying to steal a catalytic converter. The arrest led authorities to more arrests in Terrebonne Parish, Adams said.

On Oct. 26, the MCPD Facebook page reported the arrest of Carson Malagarie, 41, Bayouside Drive, Chauvin, at 1:57 a.m.

Braud received a framed certificate or her efforts.

“I’m very proud of [Braud and Schaff], and I’m proud of our department,” Dragna said.