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Public notices for Sept. 26, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
HOME RULE CHARTER
REVISION
COMMISSION
MEETING
MINUTES
AUGUST 21, 2025
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
6:00 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Revision Commission met on this date with the following members present: Mayor Clarence Vappie, Dr. Gary Wiltz, Jeremy Chesteen, Edward M. Leonard, Jr., Betty Hicks, Kenneth Perry, Jr., John Trevino, Sr., and Barry Du- frene. Absent were John Higdon, John Armato, and Norbert Wanous.
The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Chesteen and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Dufrene.
Judge Leonard moved that the reading of the Regular Meeting, July 24, 2025 be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Perry seconded the motion, which carried.
Josh Manning, Senior Planner, South-Central Planning & Development Commission appeared be- fore the Commission to discuss and review St. Mary Parish Policies, presenting ballot summary/summaries and public in- formation ex- cerpts.
In response to Mr. Dufrene’s in- quiry relative to whether other parishes presented propositions to the voters as one (1) proposition or separate propositions, Mr. Manning stated that there is wisdom in presenting it separately. He stated that some parts of the Charter are ad- ministrative and some are organizational.
Judge Leonard stated that he did not have time to review the changes to the “proposed Work in Progress St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter,” because it was just received this morning.
Mr. Manning in- formed that the Louisiana Election Codes has a word limit per proposition to explain changes/propositions on the ballot.
In response to Dr. Wiltz’s inquiry relative to the re- quested organizational study that the Commission requested, Mr. Manning stated that he can resend it. He expounded on what other parishes have done.
Dr. Wiltz ex- pounded on any feedback regarding decreasing the number of Districts from 11 to 7 or 8. He requested that the Commission revisit this and come to a conclusion to achieve representation and decrease ex- pense.
Mayor Vappie stated that a 8 District, without At- Large Districts, would have two (2) minority districts and would not require redistricting. He stated that 7 Districts would not guarantee having two (2) minority districts.
Mr. Dufrene stated that he understood that creating 7 Districts would allow for one (1) minority district, with the possibility of having two (2) more. Mr. Manning stated that the Morgan City area would possibly have one (1) district where the non-white vote would be higher than the white vote. In response to Mr. Dufrene re- quest for clarification, Mr. Manning stated that he could prepare a PowerPoint comparison of the districts for the next meeting.
Mr. Trevino stated that the number of districts can be revisited but it would still have to be marketed to the voters. He also suggested revisiting the salary of the Parish President.
Mr. Perry stated that discussion was had relative to the Parish President’s salary being an average of the Clerk of Court, Sheriff, and the Assessor and the recommendation is in line with these salaries.
Mr. Dufrene re- quested to revisit the Parish President’s compensation at the next meeting based on his duties, population, budget, and number of employees to justify a full time parish president.
After discussion, Judge Leonard moved to table discussion relative to the Parish President’s compensation to the September 18, 2025 meeting. Mr. Chesteen seconded the mo- tion, which carried.
The Commission discussed the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) salary and responsibility if the Parish President is full time.
Judge Leonard stated that there is not going to be anything in the Charter that will list the CAO’s salary, it will have to be a budget proposal.
Mr. Manning stated that he re- moved all the CAO duties in the redline documents and put them under the Parish President. All the Assistant CAO has listed is all the duties assigned to him or any duties at the President’s discretion.
Mr. Trevino re- quested that the current CAO’s salary be submitted to them for the next meeting.
Discussion was had relative to the Parish President running the Parish but he will need an assistant that he/she will delegate authority to.
Mr. Trevino stated that it is his understanding that the CAO will not be eliminated.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Referred from the July 24, 2025 - Discussion and action relative to the addressed changes to the “proposed Work in Progress St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter.”
This item was discussed above.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Discussion and action to consider implementing Lafourche Parish Charter - Article 3, Section 1, Separation of power and function. Specifically, no person holding office in a branch shall exercise a power or perform a function belonging to another branch.
After discussion, Judge Leonard moved to adopt similar language to Lafourche Parish Charter - Article 3, Section 1, Separation of Powers and Functions, that states all of the powers and functions of the Parish shall be separated and distributed to two branches; legislative and executive. This plan of government is a “president-council” form of government. Ex- cept as otherwise expressly provided for in this Charter, no branch, nor any person holding office in a branch, shall exercise a power or perform a function belonging to the other branch. The exercise of any power or performance of any function by a branch, or by any person holding office in that branch, that violates this separation and distribution of powers and functions shall be absolutely null and of no legal effect. Mayor Vappie seconded the motion, which carried.
B. Discussion and action to consider limiting the term of council chairperson to one consecutive term.
Dr. Wiltz stated that they do not know if the makeup of the Council will be 11, 8, or 7 Districts.
In response to Dr. Wiltz’s inquiry, Lisa Morgan stated that the Chairperson usually serves one (1) year. However, they can also be voted back in the following year(s).
After discussion, Dr. Wiltz moved to table discussion and action to consider limiting the term of council chairperson to one consecutive term and to discuss the makeup of the Council. Mr. Ches-teen seconded the motion, which carried.
Legal Counsel, Morgan Guillory Bodin stated that there is no such thing as one consecutive term and that it needs to be reworded to say either “one (1) term” or “consecutive term.”
C. Discussion and action to consider an option of the Parish President to conduct the Council meetings.
Per Lisa Morgan’s inquiry to whether legal counsel researched this, Morgan Guillory Bodin stated that currently, the Council appoints a Chairperson based on their At-Large Members. Therefore, the Commission may want to consider how the Chairperson is appointed and who is eligible based on that makeup.
Mr. Trevino stated that discussion was had relative to any member being eligible to serve as Chairperson.
Morgan Guillory Bodin questioned what the duties of the Chairperson be would if the President is running the meeting.
In response to several Commission Members’ in- quiries, Clerk of the Council, Lisa Morgan stated that the Chairperson supervises the Clerk of the Council, ensures order, communicates the meeting, participates in voting, ap- proves or amends the agenda.
Per Dr. Wiltz’s inquiry whether Mr. Manning is familiar with any other Parish’s where the President conducts the meetings, Mr. Manning stated that he has not seen it in a Home Rule Charter situation, it is usually seen in a Mayor’s setting.
After discussion, Mayor Vappie re- quested that no action be taken to consider the option of the Parish President to conduct the Council meetings.
There being no further business, Judge Leonard moved for adjournment. Mr. Perry seconded the mo- tion, which carried.
———————
Betty Hicks,
Chairperson
———————
Kenneth Perry, Jr.,
Secretary
Adv. Sept. 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
RECREATION
DISTRICT #3
BAYOU VISTA COMMUNITY CENTER
1333 BELLVIEW STREET
P.O. BOX 635
PATTERSON, LA 70392
985-395-6552
The Board of Commissioners of the St. Mary Parish Recreation District #3 met in regular session on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Bayou Vista Community Center.
Members Present: Brian Head – Chairman, Lane Boudreaux – Vice Chairman
Dr. Jeffery Fitter, Calvin Johnson, Eddie Gay, Rachel Kidder, Cody Fontenot
Employees of the District Present: Mark Richard – Operations Manager, Angie Guillotte – Office Manager
Employees of the District Ab- sent: Kim Willoughby – Activities Director
Secretary: Tyler Lambert
Guests: Dan Irwin – Citizen, Becky Price – Event Coordinator/BVVFD, Garrick Giffin – ICS, J. Hardy Andrews – Folley & Judell, LLP
Mr. Head called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Everyone present stood for the pledge of allegiance.
Mr. Head invited the guest, Mr. Griffin and Mr. Andrews to address the board. A motion was offered by Mr. Fontenot to amend the agenda to bring old business item one and new business item four to the guest comment portion of the meeting. A second was offered from Mr. Gay. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Guests, Mr. Ir- win and Mrs. Price addressed the board. Mr. Irwin offered his concerns regarding an incident that occurred at Central Park. Mrs. Price presented the board with a proposed route for the Christmas parade. She also noted that all funds raised from parade entry fees will be donated to the St. Mary Parish Sherrif’s Office Toys for Tots drive. Mr. Gay suggested an increase in law enforcement officers to assist with blocking off intersections. Mrs. Kidder offered a revision to the proposed route to include passing in front of Central Park on Southeast Blvd. A motion was made by Mr. Boudreaux with a second from Dr. Fitter, allowing Mrs. Price to move forward with the planning of the Christmas parade, understanding that the proposed route will be adjusted to include the skate park and Central Park, and she will contact other local law enforcement agencies to request their assistance. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Mr. Griffin with Immanuel Christian addressed the board requesting a reduced rate in the rental fee they pay to host games at practices at the Community Center. After discussion, a motion was made by Dr. Fitter to reduce the rental price to $1,120.00 for the year. A second was made by Mr. Johnson. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Mr. Hardy An- drews addressed the board and presented the preliminary resolution for upcoming bonds. The preliminary resolution included borrowings of $2 million with the possibly of this figure being adjusted before the bond process is finalized. A motion to adopt the resolution giving preliminary permission to the issuance of bonds was given by Mr. Boudreaux with a second from Dr. Fitter. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The board re- viewed the minutes of the July meeting. Dr. Fitter motioned to accept the minutes as written. Mrs. Kidder made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Board members reviewed the ac- counts payable report and the monthly budget comparison report. Dr. Fitter made a motion to accept the report as is and pay the bills. Mr. Boudreaux made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Office Manager, Angie Guillotte gave the community center report. She updated the board on rental activities and the day-to-day operations of the community center.
Operations Manager, Mark Richard gave the manager/maintenance report. He updated the board on the maintenance work being done by district employees at all district properties.
In old business, the board reviewed the FMLA policy for Activities Director, Kim Willoughby. Mrs. Guillot informed the board that in order to be in compliance, she submitted a re- quest to Kim for documentation from a health care provider. Kim has until September 3, 2025, to provide this to the district.
Moving to new business, Mr. Head suggested the board table amendment of the budget until the September meeting. A motion was made by Mrs. Kidder with a second from Mr. Gay. All were in favor and the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Gay with a second from Mr. Fontenot to table the payment of $7,000.00 to Dixie Youth Baseball pending re- view of the existing cooperative endeavor and re- view of the updated budget to be discussed at next month’s meeting. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Mark Richard presented the board with a bill in the amount of $12,500.00 for work done on the air conditioning unit that cools the kitchen at the Community Center. The work has already been completed. A motion was made by Mr. Fontenot to ap- prove of the work and pay the bill with a second from Mr. Boudreaux.
Mark Richard presented the board with a quote to repair the air conditioning unit at the clubhouse at Central Park. The quote from Harris Refrigeration totaled $4,963.00. A motion was made by Dr. Fitter to accept this bid with a second from Mr. Johnson. Mr. Fontenot ab- stained from the vote. All others were in favor and the motion carried.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Gay. A second was made by Mrs. Kidder. All were in favor. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.
(s) Brian Head
Brian Head,
Chairman
(s) Tyler Lambert
Tyler Lambert,
Secretary
Adv. Sept. 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the following proposed ordinance has been submitted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson, Loui-siana on the 9th day of September 2025.
ORDINANCE
NO. 2025-09
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING RATES FOR SEWER SERVICE
BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Patterson, Loui-siana, in regular session assembled that the charges to be paid by consumers for sewer service from the municipal sewer system shall be as follows:
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
A. 2025- $ 18.23 flat rate and $9.68 per 1000 gallons after first 2000 gallons;
B. Commencing August 1, 2026, and on the same day of each successive year thereafter, the flat rate and the per gallon rate in effect on that date shall automatically be increased annually by the amount which the Con-sumer Price Index CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Depart-ment of Labor has increased from July 1of the applicable previous year to July 1 of the applicable present year. All flat rate increase provisions in effect at the time of the introduction of this ordinance shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025.
COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS
A 2025- $24.12 flat rate and $12.11 per 1000 gallons after the first 2000 gallons;
B. Commencing August 1, 2026, and on the same day of each successive year thereafter, the flat rate and the per gallon rate in effect on that date shall automatically be increased annually by the amount which the Con-sumer Price Index CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Depart-ment of Labor has increased from July 1 of the applicable previous year to July 1 of the applicable pre-sent year. All flat rate increase provisions in effect at the time of the introduction of this ordinance shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025.
This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon publication.
The foregoing Ordinance was in- troduced by Coun-cilman Ray Dewey and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson on the 9th day of September, 2025.
The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Coun-cilman ——————, who moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman ——————, and being read and considered section by section, the Ordinance was submitted to vote with the results as follows:
YEAS: ————
NAYS: ————
ABSENT: ———
WHEREUPON, the Ordinance was declared adopted on this ——— day of ——————, 2025.
———————
RODNEY A. GROGAN,
MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
CITY CLERK
Notice is further given that a public hearing on the aforesaid proposed ordinance is set for 5:00 p.m. on the 9th day of September 2025, during the regular meeting of the Patterson City Council to be held at the City Hall in Patterson, 1314 Main Street, Pat-terson, Louisiana, on that date and at that time, and final action on said proposed ordinance shall be taken at said meeting.
———————
MIDGE BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. Sept. 17, 24 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, October 6, 2025, AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Variance request for Thomas and Timothy Raphael for a Lot Area Variance to deviate from the required 10 acres to 8.45 acres in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District on a proposed Subdivision of property located in Franklin, LA. -Parcel Id# 1874924077.00 - 3.69 Ac Por Lot No 5a-1 Resubd No. 5a Jules O Bodin Est Part Per Plat 44h 274240 Situated in Sec 2 T14S R8E Acq 438 340653 and -Parcel Id# 187492407 - 19.20 Ac Por Lot No 5a-1 Resubd No 5a Jules O Bodin Est Part Per Plat 44h 274240 Situated In Sec 3 T14S R8E Acq 438 340653. Pending Subdivision approval from Planning and Zoning Commission.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of Adjustments
Barry Druilhet, Chairman
Adv.: Sept. 19, 26, & Oct. 3,2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, October 6, 2025, AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Variance request for Dwain Mayon represented by Matthew Fore with Miller Engineers and Associates, Inc. for a Rear Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required five (5) ft. to zero (0) ft., a Front Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 15 ft. to five (5) ft., and a Variance to deviate from the required 50 ft. Right of Way/ Utility Easement to 17 ft. in an Existing Neighborhood (EN3) Zoned District on a proposed subdivision of property located at 2117 Hwy 182, Morgan City, LA-Sec.21 T15S R12E; -Parcel Id# 2984341002.00. Lot Rem 12b Clarke Bayou Vista Subd Per Plat 90 290593 Acq 44s 275988. Improvement on the land of Mayon Dwain A Acq 44S 275988. Pending Subdivision approval from Planning and Zoning Commission.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of Adjustments
Barry Druilhet, Chairman
Adv. Sept. 19, 26,
& Oct. 3, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
This is to certify St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission dba Cajun Coast has complied with Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1307 relative to public participation in the budget process for the year ending September 30, 2025. Notice of availability for public inspection and public hearing was held in compliance with applicable statutes.
Adv. Sept. 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed ordinance has been introduced for enactment by the City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Said proposed ordinance provides for Enacting Section 42-6, to provide for Grills and Outdoor Cooking/Heating appliances, of Chapter 42, Fire Prevention, Article I, In General.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for inspection at City Hall and may be obtained by contacting the Administrative Secretary at 385-1770.
Notice is further given that a public hearing has been called for 6:00 PM, local time, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the Court Room, City Court Building, Highway 182 East at Myrtle Street, Morgan City, Louisiana, to receive and consider public input concerning said proposed ordinance.
/s/ Genie G.
Bonner
Genie G. Bonner
Administrative Secretary
Adv. Sept. 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed ordinance has been introduced for enactment by the City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Said proposed ordinance provides for Adopting an Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for inspection at City Hall and may be obtained by contacting the Administrative Secretary at 385-1770.
Notice is further given that a public hearing has been called for 6:00 PM, local time, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the Court Room, City Court Building, Highway 182 East at Myrtle Street, Morgan City, Louisiana, to receive and consider public input concerning said proposed ordinance.
/s/ Genie G.
Bonner
Genie G. Bonner
Administrative Secretary
Adv. Sept. 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed ordinance has been introduced for en- actment by the City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Said proposed ordinance provides for Amending and Reenacting Section 110-32, Meter Deposits; Security Lights, of Chapter 110, Utilities, Article II, Electric Service, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Morgan City.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for inspection at City Hall and may be obtained by contacting the Administrative Secretary at 385-1770.
Notice is further given that a public hearing has been called for 6:00 PM, local time, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the Court Room, City Court Building, Highway 182 East at Myrtle Street, Morgan City, Louisiana, to receive and consider public input concerning said proposed ordinance.
/s/ Genie G.
Bonner
Genie G. Bonner
Administrative Secretary
Adv. Sept. 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
This is to certify that Recreation District No. 3 of the Parish of St. Mary has complied with Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1307 relative to public participation in the budget process for the year ending September 30, 2026. Notice of availability for public in- spection and public hearing was held in compliance with applicable statutes.
Adv. Sept. 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
State of Louisiana
EXECUTIVE
DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE
GOVERNOR
PROCLAMATION
NUMBER 64 JML 2025
———
SPECIAL ELECTION – JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE WARD 8, PARISH OF ST. MARY
———
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the office of Justice of the Peace, Justice of the Peace Ward 8, Parish of St. Mary, due to the passing of the late Honorable Hebert “Herb” Mashburn on September 3, 2025;
WHEREAS, R.S. 18:621 requires the Governor to call a special election to fill the vacancy in an existing judgeship when more than twelve (12) months of the term remain unexpired, in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:621 and/or the dates for elections set forth in La. R.S. 18:402.
NOW THEREFORE, I, JEFF LANDRY, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:
Section 1: A special primary and general election for the unexpired term shall be held throughout the jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace, Justice of the Peace Ward 8, Parish of St. Mary, for the purpose of electing a justice of the peace to fill the vacancy in the office.
Section 2: Any qualified person desiring to become a candidate for the office shall file a notice of candidacy, accompanied either by a qualifying fee or a nominating petition, as required or authorized by law, with the appropriate election official in the manner and form, and under the procedures and conditions, provided by R.S. 18:461 et seq., and all other applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, R.S. 18:1 et seq., during the period commencing Wednesday, January 14, 2026 and ending Friday, January 16, 2026.
Section 3: The special election shall be held and conducted under the applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, La. R.S. 18:1 et seq.
Section 4: The primary election shall be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, and the general election shall be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the times and places and in the manner, prescribed by law.
Section 5: The Secretary of State, Commissioner of Elections, Parish Board of Election Supervisors, Clerk of Court, Registrar of Voters, and all other persons charged with any power, function, right, duty or responsibility in conducting elections in the jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace, Justice of the Peace Ward 8, Parish of St. Mary, are hereby authorized, requested, directed and empowered to exercise every lawful function and to do every act necessary to conduct the special election, to cause the returns to be made, to canvass and promulgate the results, and to perform all related and incidental functions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Louisiana in the City of Baton Rouge, on this 18th day of September, 2025.
———————
Jeff Landry
GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA
ATTEST BY THE
SECRETARY OF STATE
———————
Nancy Landry
SECRETARY OF STATE
Adv. Sept. 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, October 6, 2025, AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Variance request for Campuzano Francisco represented by Matthew Fore with Miller Engineers and Associates, Inc. for a Lot Width Variance to deviate from the required 80 ft. to 33 ft., a Lot Depth Variance to deviate from the required 125 ft. to 56 ft., a Lot Area Variance to deviate from the required 10,000 sq ft. to 1,848 sq ft., a Front Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 50 ft. to eight (8) ft, a Rear Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 25 ft. to seven (7) ft, and a Side Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 15 ft. to five (5) ft. in a Highway Commercial (HC) Zoned District located at 105 Universe Rd, Morgan City, LA -Sec.26 T16S R12E; -Parcel Id# 2984281043.00- Lot Tract A-B-C-D-A Per Plat 16M 145368 Acq 463 344857.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of
Adjustments
Barry Druilhet, Chairman
Adv. Sept. 19, 26,
& Oct. 3, 2025

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Zeringue explains COLAB role in St. Mary economic development

Asked about St. Mary’s greatest advantage and disadvantage in economic development, Christy Zeringue gave the same answer twice.
“It’s the coast and the coast,” said Zeringue, president of the COLAB, the official regional economic development organization that includes St. Mary, Assumption, Lafourche and Terrebonne.
Zeringue spoke Wednesday at a St. Mary Chamber luncheon at the Petroleum Club of Morgan City.
The disadvantage of being on the Gulf is vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding, Zeringue said.
“Here we are in September, keeping our fingers crossed with hurricanes or floods we might have,” she said. “It’s also a little challenging when it comes to insurance in our area.”
The coastal advantage are great waterways and ports throughout the region.
Zeringue picked up a line from Port of Morgan City Executive Director Raymond “Mac” Wade. The local waterways are carrying cargo worth not millions, but billions.
The water figures in at least two economic development victories cited by Zeringue.
They include plans by Argent LNG to create a liquefied natural gas plant at Port Fourchon. The Argent website states it plans to begin operating in early 2030.
Another is the acquisition of the Franklin-area Gulf Craft shipyard earlier this year by Saronic. The Texas-based company plans to build its Marauder autonomous surface vessel there and employ as many as 500 people.
Across the Charenton Canal from the Saronic yard is Metal Shark, a shipbuilder with government work of its own, including ferries for Washington and New York and the recent delivery of coastal patrol boats to the Dominican navy.
Other advantages are a skilled workforce and higher education institutions, Zeringue said.
COLAB was once known as the Southeast Louisiana Economic Council. Zeringue described the mission as working with local economic development officials as well as with Louisiana Economic Development.
The priorities she outlined Wednesday:
—Working with the expansion of existing industries
—Workforce development.
—Developing more certified ready for new or expanding industry.
—Legislative priorities.
COLAB has a website rich in demographic and economic data at bayouregion.com.

Berwick High homecoming proclamation

Submitted photo
Mayor Duval Arthur recently signed a proclamation in honor of Berwick High's homecoming, which includes the Oct. 3 football game with Thrive Academy. Seated from left are Madison Izaguirre, Madison Comeaux, Baylee Smith, Arthur, Alayr Knope, Helaina Stansbury and Caroline Izaguirre. Middle row: Vintrell Boyd, Maddox Sampey, Carter Dupuis, Aidynn Lecompte, Vincent Dohmann, Miguel Melendez and Layf Bella. Back row: Maya Ladday, Isabell Ortiz, Landyn Lacoste, Makenzie Linn, Jordyn Gaudet and Leslie Ellis.

Patterson High homecoming week

Patterson High's Homecoming Week activities included a dress-up day. Other events included a wacky Olympics, a flag football game and a "Nerds and Smarties" day. The Lumberjack homecoming football game will be Friday against H.L Bourgeois.

Submitted photo

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.

Sign of the times: Kirk tribute draws some local criticism

A tribute to slain right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk kicked up a social media storm locally. And at Tuesday’s Morgan City Council meeting, two African American residents said they were offended by the gesture.
At issue is a sign at the Morgan City seawall memorializing Kirk with a single word: “Charlie.” Mayor Lee Dragna said the sign was up over the course of a week.
The death of Kirk, who was shot and killed Sept. 10 at an appearance at a Utah university, has illuminated a deep political division. For many, Kirk, 31, was an outspoken Christian who promoted free speech and open debate, and who attracted young people, including African Americans, to the conservative cause.
For others, Kirk accepted gun deaths as the cost of the Second Amendment, attacked gay and transgender rights, and made racially insensitive remarks about Blacks and Black leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr.
Crowd estimates fo ra Sunday memorial in Glendale, Arizona, ranged up toe 200,000.
“As a Black man, I was offended,” said Mike Ruffin at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Interestingly, Ruffin and some of the Facebook posts expressed not just about the Charlie sign but with the way the sign portrays Morgan City.
“People were spewing hate that really doesn’t exist in this city,” he said.
Another speaker, Wilbert Turner, said that it’s up to the “leadership to say something to those who were offended.”
And “just knowing it was up there offended me,” Turner said.
Dragna repeatedly described the sign as “discreet.”
“It was put in the most discreet way possible for a man who was executed — not murdered, executed — and left two children and a wife,” Dragna said.
He defended the posting of a sign that he said represents the feelings of a majority of the community. And “we just got pounded on Facebook,” often with comments that were “twisted in a way to show hate.”
Councilman the Rev. Ron Bias said the lighted sign is off now.
“We just need to make an order in this community that if we’ve got a problem, we can sit down and work it out,” Bias said. “That’s the main thing.”

Early voting on tax renewal begins Saturday

Early voting for the Oct. 11 election opens Saturday with a School Board sales tax renewal on the ballot.
Early voting will run Saturday through Oct. 4, excluding Sunday. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Registered voters can cast early ballots either at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse in Franklin or the Registrar of Voters Office, 301 Third St., Morgan City.
On Oct. 11, voting will be 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at individual precinct locations.
The parishwide proposition renews for five years a 0.45% sales tax dedicated to teacher and staff salaries. The renewal would be for five years. The tax is expected to raise $5.1 million a year.
Before it first passed on March 20, 2021, the tax was more controversial than the 62%-38% approval margin might suggest.
The board first proposed a 0.5% sales tax for staff pay and a technology fund.
Before it first passed on March 20, 2021, the tax was more controversial than the 62%-38% approval margin might suggest.
Local officials criticized the proposal for its economic impact. Then-state Sen. Bret Allain, a member of the State Bond Commission, objected to the technology fund dedication and threatened to support moving the proposition from an off-cycle municipal election date to a November election date, when passage was considered to be more difficult.
The board came back with a proposal for a 0.45% tax with no technology fund dedication.
The proposition passed in an election with a 15% turnout.
In 2021, the tax was expected to raise $3.9 million a year.
School officials said the resulting $3,000 raise for certified employees and the $1,500 raise for other staff members were needed to attract and maintain quality employees, especially after Lafourche Parish passed a teacher pay tax of its own.
At the Sept. 11, 2025, School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Buffy Fegenbush said the tax revenue has affected an average of 1,200 employees a year since collections began in 2021.
“These funds help the school system maintain competitive compensation and provide stability in classrooms and services,” Fegenbush said.
As of Sept. 1, St. Mary had 30,425 registered voters. The Republican and Democratic parties each claim about 35% of the parish’s voters, and the rest belong to no party.
Here’s the full text of the proposition:
Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the “School Board”), be authorized to continue to levy and collect a sales and use tax of 0.45% (the “Tax”), for a period of 5 years, beginning July 1, 2026, in accordance with Louisiana law (an estimated $5,100,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), with the proceeds of the Tax (after paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax) to be dedicated and used to supplement salaries and benefits paid by the School Board for teachers and other personnel employed by the School Board?

Superintendent seeks support for tax renewal

St. Mary Superintendent Dr. Buffy Fegenbush on Wednesday sought Parish Council support for renewal of a sales tax that goes to teacher and support staff salaries.
The renewal of the 0.45% sales tax appears on the Oct. 11 ballot. Early voting begins Saturday (see related story.)
Fegenbush said the tax generates an annual $5.1 million and “100% of it is dedicated to salaries and benefits of teachers, certified or not, as well as all our personnel and staff.”
The superintendent said the School Board is a major employer in St Mary, with 1,950 teachers and support personnel on its payroll. She said the tax renewal is crucial to funding salaries, in order for the system to continue its work to grow St Mary Parish, creating results beyond the classroom.
“Without this renewal, we will see a significant shortfall,” she said.
After her pitch, a few parish councilmen had questions.
Councilman David Hill asked why the board placed the measure on a ballot that had no other items.
“We chose October, because if the measure fails, we plan to come before voters again,” Fegenbush said.
Hill also asked her how much the election will cost the parish, and she did not have the answer at the moment and apologized.
If voters pass the tax on Oct 11, it would not have to be renewed again for five years.
The superintendent told the council the board’s state Minimum Foundation Program allocation from the state has dwindled over the years because of enrollment declines.
The MFP is based on a formula that distributes money based on student enrollment.
Fegenbush said that currently, the state funds St. Mary Parish at a rate of $6,900 per student. And that number fluctuates after the state sets enrollment based on the numbers as of Oct. 1 and Feb. 1.
“A yes vote on Oct. 11 shows an investment in our schools, and thus also in our parish,” she said.
Hill asked if any plans exist to consolidate schools.
Councilman Patrick Hebert asked if there are any plans for teacher reductions.
Fegenbush said that St. Mary Parish is still under a federal desegregation order. The government has certain formulas for student to teacher ratios, so there can be no consolidations or staff regulations unless they are approved.
Councilman Rodney Olander asked what happens to any money collected beyond the need for salary enhancements.
In reply to Olander, she said there has been money left on occasions.
At the end of the 2022-23 school year, an additional $1,000 was given to teachers and $600 to support employees. And at the end of the 2023-24 school year, $600 was given to each employee.
The tax has also generated more revenue than initially projected, largely due to state sales taxes being applied to online sales.
“It is truly an honor to serve our community,” Fegenbush said. “Strong schools build strong communities and the future of our parish, because of the opportunities that we provide.”

Wheel House for Sept. 26: Rummage sale

RUMMAGE
SALE
1-5 p.m. Friday. Oct. 3, and 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 4, First United Methodist Church, 109 Gilmore, Berwick  Lots of clothes, household items, several wooden desks and chairs.

Shrimpers back change in way imports are counted

Gulf and South Atlantic shrimp groups are lining up behind a federal “manifest transparency” fix while pressing Congress and regulators for tougher screening of foreign shrimp they say is undercutting Louisiana boats and processors with antibiotics, forced labor and unfair pricing.
At issue in the near term is the Cassidy–Whitehouse Manifest Modernization Amendment, which would close a decades-old loophole so U.S. Customs releases basic shipping-manifest data not just for ocean vessels, but also for air, rail and truck cargo.
Industry advocates say the gap – created by a 1990s drafting error – blinds the public to nearly half of U.S. imports, a problem as more seafood and other goods arrive by air and land.
Backers, including the American Shrimp Processors Association and the Southern Shrimp Alliance, say broader manifest access would help spot antibiotic-tainted seafood, trans-shipment through third countries, and other schemes before products hit U.S. shelves.
In written comments to a House trade panel, the Southern Shrimp Alliance – representing fishermen and processors across Louisiana and seven other states – outlined a broader agenda: more FDA testing of imported shrimp (it cites less than 0.1% of roughly 1.5 billion pounds inspected); stronger traceability under NOAA’s Seafood Import Monitoring Program; and tighter forced-labor enforcement under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
The group points to reporting on overseas plants and to continued imports of shrimp processed in Xinjiang, calling for stepped-up actions when facilities refuse U.S. inspections.
The Southern Shrimp Alliance also urges Congress to bolster Customs’ Enforce and Protect Act investigations so U.S. Customs and Border Patrol can move faster when importers change names mid-probe and expand cases when new evasion is uncovered.
On trade remedies, the group wants the Commerce Department to sample more exporters in India and elsewhere so margins reflect the wider industry; factor antidumping/countervailing duties into U.S. price adjustments in light of the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright ruling ending Chevron deference; consider reinstating “zeroing”;  and pass “Leveling the Playing Field 2.0” to better address distorted production costs.
Framing the stakes as national security, the Southern Shrimp Alliance notes that about 94% of shrimp eaten in the U.S. is imported – roughly 90% of it from four countries – leaving domestic supply chains vulnerable if tainted or illicit product floods the market.
The Louisiana fleet, already contending with high fuel and low dock prices, says manifest transparency plus stronger testing and enforcement would help restore a fair market and keep Gulf-harvested shrimp competitive.
If Congress adopts the manifest fix and agencies step up inspections and labor oversight, shrimpers say consumers would gain clearer sourcing, law-abiding importers would face a level field and Louisiana boats might get a fighting chance in the season ahead.

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