Patterson council delays action on budget, hears appeal for seniors

PATTERSON — The Patterson City Council put off action on its budget at the April 2 meeting, awaiting information it needs to plan for 2024-25.
But the council heard about a different budget in an impassioned appeal from Council on Aging Director Beverly Domengeaux.
Domengeaux told the council that more than 12% of the population here is over 65. The council serves 15-20 meals a day at the Senior Center and delivers another 60 to homebound Patterson residents.
And every day seems to bring another letter announcing a funding cut or an increase in services or supplies the council needs, Domengeaux said.
Among the cuts under consideration is a 50% reduction in the annual allocation from the St. Mary Parish government, which is struggling to put the books in balance by the end of its budget year.
“It’s getting harder and harder to meet the needs of people,” Domengeaux said. “What I’m saying right now is that the whole parish is hurting. …
“You’ve got a lot of seniors out there who need the help.”
Domengeaux’s appearance was one of a series of annual reports she makes to local governments.
When the talk turned to the city budget, the big news came from the messenger. Chief Financial Officer Reginald Weary, who has worked for the city government for 12 years, announced that he’s resigning to take a private sector job.
“Thank you for the experience I’ve gained working for the city of Patterson,” Weary told the council.
Weary leaves after a tough budget year. Like the parish government, Patterson has had to patch holes in the current year’s budget, much of it related to unexpected expenses related to infrastructure improvements.
The April 2 agenda listed the introduction of the 2024-25 budget, but Weary said he couldn’t propose the spending plan because he’s awaiting information.
The audit of 2023 city finances isn’t complete, Weary said. He also wants the results of a utility rate study by the Louisiana Rural Water Association and information on property assessments from the parish government.
The council was to convene for a special meeting April 9 that would include a budget workshop.
Also Tuesday, the council approved appointments to a previously inactive Community Center/Recreation Board. The board will oversee the city’s parks, except for Morey Park, which will continue to fall under the Patterson Main Street program.
The newly approved board members are Regina Leonard, Ed Jones, Holden Murray, Terrence Johnson, CL Grogan, Renee Stelly and Sandra Turner.