Infrastructure has impact on Morgan City budget

The Morgan City Council on Tuesday introduced a 2026 budget, a document on which federal funds and a natural gas system upgrade project have a big impact.
Also Tuesday, the council introduced ordinances forbidding the indoor use of barbecue grills and lower the charges for utility customers who want security lights.
The council proclaimed Senior Citizen Center Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and approved plans for a long list of coming events.
The proposed 2026 budget anticipates revenue of about $61.3 million and spending of $60.5 million.
In his budget message, Mayor Lee Dragna said the revenue figure is $4.2 million lower than the 2025 budget.
“However, a considerable amount of grant monies that were expected to be received in 2025 in connection with the PHMSA Natural Gas Distribution Grant will not be received until 2026,” Dragna wrote.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration awarded a $7 million grant to the Morgan City government in 2023.
The biggest source of city revenue will be utility operations, anticipated to bring in $27.8 million, just less than $100,000 below the 2025 figure.
Anticipated tax revenue amounts to $10.9 million, up about $140,000 from this year’s budget.
Spending is budgeted at $60.5 million, which includes $14.9 million in capital outlay. That includes the gas line rehabilitation work, the bulk of which is expected to be done next year.
The city government employs 195 people full time and 31 part time. Those who have at least a year on the job will get a 2% raise at a cost to the city of $152,808.
A hotel occupancy tax that began in 2023 will bring in an estimated $188,595 for increasing tourism and economic developments.
The city government responded to rising insurance costs by self-insuring its property, and the budget set aside $300,000 for that purpose.
“It is our intention to present a budget that allows our city to maintain a level of service our citizens are accustomed to,” Dragna wrote.
Another ordinance introduced Tuesday, banning indoor use of barbecue grills, was introduced at the request of the Morgan City Fire Department. A second section, applying to dwellings other than one- or two-family homes, would prohibit grills from being “used, kindled or stored” on any balcony, under any overhang or within 10 feet of any structure.
The ordinance on security lights has a new range of charges for four LED wattages. The monthly charge for a 175-watt LED would drop from $4.25 to $3. For 1,000-watt LEDs, the charge would drop from $16.50 to $10.
Also Tuesday:
•The council changed its last two meeting dates of the year to Nov. 18 and Dec. 16 to avoid conflicts with the holiday season. Meetings are usually held each fourth Tuesday.
•The council proclaimed October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Kelli Cantu of Chez Hope, the region’s domestic abuse assistance agency, said 2,100 people were helped in 2024 though shelter or other services.
•The council proclaimed September to be Senior Citizen Center Month. Council on Aging Director Beverly Domengeaux said the council operates centers in Franklin, Patterson and Morgan City. The council also offers meal delivery, homemaking help and respites for caregivers.
•The council approved plans for “an all-inclusive trunk or treat” 1-3 p.m. Oct. 19 at Lawrence Park. The event is designed to be “a fun, safe and sensory friendly celebration for children and families with special needs and their siblings.”
•St. Mary School Board member Lindsey Anslem is planning a prayer event for students and teachers at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Lawrence Park.
•The council approved plans for a rodeo at Atchafalaya Bit & Bridge Club on Saturday, pending a Police Department OK for alcohol sales. The slack, or preliminary competition, begins at 10 a.m. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
•The council gave the green light to the Pumpkin Patch activities at the Petting Zoo and Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. The event is a St. Mary Outreach-United Way fundraiser in the form of field trips that include pumpkin decorating, feeding the farm animals, relay games and cookie decorating.