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September 30, 2014Terrebonne Parish’s proposed 2015 budget is $212.9 million, up $5 million from last year’s $207.7 million figure.
Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet submitted the 2015 budget proposal at last week’s council meeting.
The total budget is $212.9 million with $22.4 million in operating capital and five-year capital outlay, which is up from 2014. Last year, the parish worked with a total of $207.7 million and $19.71 million in operating capital and capital outlay.
The parish received $5.91 million in priority state capital outlay priority I funding, which will be used for the Emergency Operations Center, Thompson Road and Firemen’s Skate Park.
The $13.8 million left for the 2015 five-year capital outlay budget will be divided up accordingly:
• Drainage improvements: $4.55 million
• Government buildings: $3.75 million
• Road and bridge projects: $2,431,000
• Recreation: $225,000
• Economic development: $195,000
• Utility system: 1.1 million
• Sewerage system: 1.15 million
• Public services and safety: $100,000
• Waterways: $300,000
The parish is not proposing many new projects because Claudet is in his final year as parish president.
“There are very few new initiatives that we are proposing because this is the last term for our parish president.” Terrebonne Parish Business Manager Al Levron said.
In addition to the priority projects, Claudet mentioned Bayou Gardens and West Side boulevards, Hollywood Road widening and assisting Recreation District 2-3 in completing a major portion of the new sports complex.
Among the new propositions in this year’s budget is a 2-percent pay hike for all Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government employees. The parish has secured $485,855 for the 684 employees, which comes to $710 per employee.
The increase was a direct result from the local economy’s recent upward trend.
“Right now, the economy is booming in our area. Industry is able to adjust salaries much more substantially than we are,” Claudet said. “Consequently, I was able to squeeze out 2 percent for our employees, which we believe is something important in maintaining and acquiring productive employees.”
While the 2-percent increase is a means to keep employees productive, the parish has also adopted Single Point Assessment Resource Center (SPARC), a program designed to keep Terrebonne youth productive and out of trouble.
“The big push for SPARC is because of similar programs in Lake Charles, Shreveport and Jefferson,” Claudet said.
The parish will fund $250,000 for the first year to establish a location, office staff and assemble all of the players involved, which would include law enforcement, social workers and others who may be involved in cases pertaining to children.
