Rate hike letter draws angry response

PATTERSON — Flushing toilets will cost more from Ricohoc to Berwick, beginning Oct 1.
But exactly how much more is yet to be determined, as board commissioners of the St Mary Parish Joint Sewage Commission, Wards 5 and 8, continue to discuss the issue.
News of the rate hike emerged Tuesday during the Patterson City Council Meeting, where Mayor Rodney Grogan requested Chris Cooper, commission president, to speak on the issue.
But before Cooper spoke, Grogan told the council and the audience that he was surprised by the news.
“I received a letter from my staff, written by Cooper, which was dated Aug. 8, 2025, and simply addressed, ‘To Whom It May Concern.’”
Grogan explained that the letter stated that effective Oct. 1, 2025, the commission would be increasing the cost of sewage treatment from $3.60 per thousand gallons to $5.10 per thousand gallons, resulting in a $1 increase for treatment and 50 cents for repair and replacement.
The mayor said he wanted Cooper to appear before the public to explain the increase, especially in the wake of city’s new pricing structure on water and sewage, which is moving into the second year of a three-year commitment to avoiding being a burden to consumers.
“Really, this should not be passed. You all are forcing this on us, with no input from the public, but more importantly, no hard data as to why this is needed,” Grogan said.
“Our public should be hearing your reasoning before they go to bash city hall, because it’s not us.”
Cooper said their whole infrastructure system is aging terribly, and that it has been neglected for many years.
“Last year, during the small hurricane we experienced, we spent $70,000 on renting pumps to get through the aftermath,” Cooper said. “Our generators are broken to the point of no return. Just so many problems.
“Yet, we’re working day and night to resolve our issues and make our stations dependable, but we have a long way to go,” he said. “The simplest way to put it right now is that we’re broken.”
Councilwoman Miranda Weinbach asked if maintenance schedules exist, and Cooper said no.
Councilman Lee Condolle asked if any remedies in the form of a study exist and again, Cooper said no.
Main Street Director Slade Sanders told Cooper that you can’t blindly charge the public. “There is nothing to back up what they’re paying for. That’s robbery — stealing,” he said.
“What exists to insure us?” Sanders asked, to which Cooper replied, “Well, you’re welcome to come and inspect what we’re working with.”
Sanders replied, “I really don’t understand what’s going to change.”
Berwick Mayor Duval Arthur, who attended Tuesday’s Patterson Council Meeting, told Cooper, “You’re just taking care of sewer. You would think you guys have this down to a science.” Arthur continued, “Mayor Grogan, I feel the same way you do. This is almost absurd. We pay you guys by the month. A pretty substantial amount of money. What you guys are doing with it, I have no idea.”
Cooper said no sewage system would be a huge issue for the area.
Grogan reminded everyone, “No if, and, or buts about it. We’re going to pay something more.”
But Cooper chimed in as well. “I live here, too. I have to pay it too. It’s either pay, or face not being able to flush your toilet.”