Breaux Bridge to add 2nd special tax district

The city council here has introduced an ordinance to establish another special taxing district along the I-10 corridor.
With a vote at the Feb. 15 meeting, council members approved the introduction of a measure to designate a second area north of I-10 as Special Taxing District 2. The proposed area is mostly vacant now, but seems primed for commercial development.
The designation would allow the levying of an additional one-cent sales tax. Special Taxing District 1 encompasses much of the commercial area between Latiolais Drive and the interstate and south along Rees Street as far as Lakes Boulevard. Businesses in this area are also subject to an additional one cent sales tax.
The city is applying for grants to help finance construction of access roads along the interstate, which are needed to facilitate business development in that area. Proceeds from special taxing districts are split 50/50 between citywide Development Master Plan projects and infrastructure improvements specific to the taxing districts.
In his monthly status report, Mayor Ricky Calais said that several purchases that have been put off as long as possible will need to be made in the coming months. Two city vehicles have more than 200,000 miles and need to be replaced soon. He said the city needs a new back hoe, boring machine, sewer line cleaning equipment, and possibly a Gradall for clearing drainage ditches. Also, unfinished areas in the upper level of the city hall building, he added, will soon be made into additional office space.
City Public Works Director Randy “Crip” Cormier reported that Breaux Bridge water, having won the award for the best water in Louisiana, placed 19th out of 49 in the recent nationwide water quality contest. “That speaks very well for the Breaux Bridge water system,” Cormier said, “when you consider that many of the higher-placing states have the advantage of much better ground water before any treatment is done.”
Finally, the St. Martin Council on Aging was presented an annual donation from the city in the amount of $10,000. Executive Director Shanese Lewis said the COA is grateful for the help it receives from area municipalities, which help pay for transportation programs and meals-on-wheels that many elderly area residents depend on.
The COA will hold a Walk-a-Thon at Parc Hardy on Saturday, March 18 to help raise awareness about seniors and raise funds to improve their quality of life. Call 332-3063 for information.