Terrebonne chamber endorses water millage

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of a new millage that will be presented on ballots May 4, which will make Terrebonne’s water system part of the Bayou Lafourche Freshwater District.

The cost for the average homeowner of the 2.11-mil tax assessment would be $1.15 per month, according to documents prepared by the district. There would still be a charge for water based on gallons used. The millage, if approved, would be paid to the Bayou Lafourche Freshwater District, from which Terrebonne receives most of its water, once Terrebonne became a member of that district with seats on its board.

The increase in water rates if the millage – and membership in the BLFD – is approved, would be around $3 per month more than what consumers pay now with water charges at about 30 cents per 1,000 gallons.

But costs for Terrebonne Parish if not made a member of the district could rise to 50 cents per 1,000 gallons and could continue to escalate in later years.

The Chamber endorsement is significant because of the expected impact on businesses that use large quantities of water. Nonetheless, a Chamber committee and the membership determined that the costs of not going with the plan could be far higher.

“From drinking water and cooking to bathing and doing laundry, Bayou Lafourche is and will remain the most cost-effective and reliable source of fresh water for all of our parish’s businesses and residents,” said Chamber chairwoman Jennifer Armand. “Becoming a member of the Bayou Lafourche Freshwater District will benefit all Terrebonne water users by securing this important freshwater supply at an affordable and predictable price.”

Last week the Chamber rejected a proposed school tax increase that will be up before voters in the same election, stating that the Terrebonne Parish School District has not presented a detailed plan for howe the money would be spent. The water issue, according to Armand, should be supported because in the long run it will save money for businesses and homes, considering the only other alternative, rejecting seats on the Bayou Lafourche board.

The agreement between Terrebonne and BLFD is based on a contract that expires in 2014, and other communities that draw water from Bayou Lafourche have been rankled by what they see as a sweetheart deal for the parish. A new BLFD master plan calls for a rate of 30 cents per 1,000 gallons, but only for the entities that are members of the district. Terrebonne, as a non-member, could be charged more than that and would have no say in the matter. Current estimates are that the cost for Terrebonne could rise to 50 cents per thousand gallons.

But if Terrebonne becomes a member – with residents paying the 2.11 millage, as the member parishes and Thibodaux do now – the parish would have four seats on the BLFD board, giving it a say in future rate changes.

“The 2.11 mills required for membership in the district is much less costly than the water bills we could be expected to see if the parish does not become a member of the BLFD,” Armand sad. “Simply put, voting yes on this measure will keep the water flowing and save us all a great deal of money.”