Berwick council passes budget, tries again for grant

BERWICK – The town government is hoping the third time does the trick as it applies for a grant for water main improvements.
Meanwhile Tuesday, the Town Council passed the resolution necessary to accept $368,000 in state funding for public safety and other projects.
And the council passed a 2026-27 budget that anticipates a slight increase in revenue and a hefty cut in expenses.
The Berwick town government has applied twice without success for federal funding for the work to replace aging water mains in the oldest part of town. Its working with the South Central Regional Planning and Development Commission on a third attempt.
But Berwick is already seeing some money come in from the state. It’s getting $150,000 for a purpose not yet stated, as well as:
•$108,000 for Fire Department equipment.
•$80,000 for police vehicle dash cameras.
•$45,000 for the Berwick Lighthouse Festival.
The newly adopted budget anticipates revenue of about $7.68 million, down from the $7.7 million budget for this fiscal year.
“This reduction is primary attributable to anticipated lower tax collections across the municipality,” Mayor Duval Arthur said in his executive summary.
Taxes and franchise fees account for $3.5 million in the new budget, the largest single revenue source.
Expenditures are expected to be $5.9 million next year, down from the $8.1 million in projected spending that includes previous transfers such as grants.
The budget passed without objection.
Also Tuesday:
•Fourth-grader Andy Paradee received Beacon Shines On recognition. The Berwick Elementary student makes and sells craft items. He used his own money to purchase rocks, mulch and flowers to decorate the school.
He’s the son of School Board member Chad and Sandy Paradee.
•Berwick High students successfully sought council approval for the school’s homecoming parade at 4 p.m. Sept. 24. Appearing before the council were sophomores Levi Carline, class president; Khyla McIntyre, class secretary; and Sophia Ruiz, class vice president.
Berwick’s homecoming game will be Friday, Sept. 25, against Houma Christian.
•The Roots & Ribbons Foundation’s annual Puttin’ on the Pink event will be Oct. 3 at Patterson’s Morey Park. The annual event includes a 5K run and two-mile walk.
The foundation raises money to support breast cancer patients and survivors in the local area. Participants in the annual event wear pink to show their support.
•The council OK’d Kori Bryan’s plans for a benefit for mother Shanna, who is undergoing medical treatment. The event, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 3, offers spaghetti plates with bread and dessert for $10. For more information, call 985-518-9847, 985-312-8397 or 985-397-3842.
•The council passed a resolution making October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Berwick. The proclamation came at the request of Chez Hope, which operates domestic violence shelters and other programs in this area.