Thibodaux Daily Comet
September 5, 2026
Lafourche Parish Civil Service Meeting, July 15, 2026 Page 1 of 9
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
LAFOURCHE PARISH CIVIL SERVICE BOARD
JULY 15, 2026, REGULAR MEETING
The Civil Service Board of the Lafourche Parish Government met in regular session in the Civil Service Meeting Room located in the Lafourche Parish Agriculture Building, 402 West Fifth Street, Thibodaux, Louisiana, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at five-thirty (5:30) oclock p.m., pursuant to the provisions of a notice of regular session duly promulgated and posted in accordance with the law.
Mr. Adam Lefort, Chair, called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm with the following:
PRESENT: Mr. Adam Lefort, Chair
Mr. Benjamin Comeaux, Vice-Chair
Mrs. Sarah Daigle
Ms. Kaitlyn Adams
Mrs. Trinette Wallace
ABSENT: None
The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mrs. Sarah Daigle.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Item No. 1 on the agenda was the acceptance of minutes from the May 13, 2026 meeting. A motion was offered by Mrs. Sarah Daigle, seconded by Mrs. Trinette Wallace, and carried by a vote of (5) yeas, (0) nays, (0) absent, to dispense with the reading of the minutes. A motion was offered by Ms. Kaitlyn Adams, seconded by Mrs. Sarah Daigle, and carried by a vote of (5) yeas, (0) nays, (0) absent, to adopt the May 13, 2026 minutes as written including all actions taken at the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
The next item on the agenda was Item No. 2, Public Hearing to hear public comments regarding the following:
Amending the Purchasing Specialist 3 job description to change the FLSA status; and authorizing the Civil Service Department to process all changes.
There were no questions or comments from the Board regarding the proposed amendment to the Purchasing Specialist 3 job description, nor were there any public comments.
Amending the Accountant 2 job description to change the FLSA status; and authorizing the Civil Service Department to process all changes.
There were no questions or comments from the Board regarding the proposed amendment to the Accountant 2 job description, nor were there any public comments.
Amending the Right-of-Way Coordinator 3 job description to change the FLSA status, job title, and chain of command; and authorizing the Civil Service Department to process all changes.
There were no questions or comments from the Board regarding the proposed amendment to the Right-of-Way Coordinator 3 job description, nor were there any public comments.
Amending the definition of Immediate Family in Chapter 9, Section 4 (Funeral Leave), and the Definitions section of the Civil Service Manual to include an employees grandparent and grandchild.
There were no questions or comments from the Board regarding the proposed amendment to the definition of "Immediate Family" in the Civil Service Manual, nor were there any public comments.
RESOLUTIONS
A motion was offered by Mr. Adam Lefort, seconded by Mrs. Sarah Daigle, and carried by a vote of (5) yeas, (0) nays, (0) absent, to adopt Resolution Nos. CS26-004, CS26-005, CS26-006, and CS26-007 as presented and authorize the Civil Service Department to process all changes.
Item No. 3 was Resolution No. CS26-004 amending the Purchasing Specialist 3 job description to change the FLSA status; and authorizing the Civil Service Department to process all changes.
Item No. 4 was Resolution No. CS26-005 amending the Accountant 2 job description to change the FLSA status; and authorizing the Civil Service Department to process all changes.
Item No. 5 was Resolution No. CS26-006 amending the Right-of-Way Coordinator 3 job description to change the FLSA status, job title, and chain of command; amending the Classification Plan to change said title; and authorizing the Civil Service Department to process all changes.
Item No. 6 was Resolution No. CS26-007 amending the definition of Immediate Family in Chapter 9, Section 4 (Funeral Leave), and the Definitions section of the Civil Service Manual to include an employees grandparent and grandchild; and authorizing the Civil Service Department to process all changes.
NEW BUSINESS
The next item on the agenda, Item No. 7, was a discussion regarding the modification of the Pumpers Pay Scale.
Ms. Savonye Anderson, Human Resources Director, presented the Board with the Administrations proposed modification to the Pumpers Pay Scale. She stated that she had held several discussions regarding the proposed update and had also met with the Pumpers. Through those discussions, she learned the following:
1.Pump stations are not budgeted independently.
2.Each Pumpers bi-weekly salary is budgeted.
Ms. Anderson explained that if a rain event lasts for 24 consecutive hours, each Pumper is expected to tend to their pump every three hours, resulting in approximately eight hours of work.
Ms. Anderson stated that she would be opposed to paying Pumpers a flat rate or an hourly rate because each pump station differs, and the amount of time a Pumper spends at each station varies. She advised that a survey would have to be conducted for each pump station to determine the exact number of hours worked at each location; however, that would be difficult because weather events cannot be predicted. Therefore, the actual number of hours a Pumper works cannot be accurately determined. She noted that Pumpers can sometimes go months without running their pumps, other than performing general maintenance, due to a lack of rain.
Ms. Savonye' Anderson presented the Board with the following scenarios for consideration as part of the Administration's proposed modification to the Pumper's Pay Scale:
Example:
A Pumper currently operates two separate pump stations totaling three diesel engines and zero electric engines. The Pumpers current bi-weekly pay is $441.72.
Scenario #1
An additional diesel engine is added to an existing pump station already operated by the Pumper.
The Pumpers pay is now based on four diesel engines and zero electric engines.
Since the engine is being added to a pump station the Pumper already operates, the difference between the two minimum pay scale levels will be added to the Pumpers existing pay.
o4 Diesel / 0 Electric Minimum: $437.40
o3 Diesel / 0 Electric Minimum: $388.80
o$437.40 - $388.80 = $48.60
The Pumpers new bi-weekly pay will be $490.32 ($441.72 + $48.60).
Scenario #2
A Pumper applies for and is selected to operate a separate pump station.
The Pumper is selected to operate a pump station consisting of one diesel engine and zero electric engines.
Since this is a separate pump station, the difference between the minimum and midpoint of the applicable pay scale will be used to calculate the increase.
o4 Diesel / 0 Electric Midpoint: $563.40
o3 Diesel / 0 Electric Minimum: $388.80
o$563.40 - $388.80 = $174.60
The Pumpers new bi-weekly pay will be $616.32 ($441.72 + $174.60).
Ms. Anderson explained that the maximum pay range is generally used as a guide to ensure an employee is not paid above the maximum salary for the position. She stated that it is also used when applying merit and COLA increases so that every employee has an established salary ceiling.
Ms. Anderson stated that her primary goal was to keep the proposed pay scale within budget while also making it attractive to employees. She again stressed that a flat rate or hourly rate would not be practical within the parish's budget.
Mr. Benjamin Comeaux asked Ms. Anderson to further explain why a flat rate or hourly rate would not work. Ms. Anderson explained that a flat rate would lack justification because there would be no objective method for determining the appropriate amount or for deciding what flat rate future administrations should use. She stated that, under her proposed scenarios, the rate of pay would still be guided by the Pumpers Pay Scale but would be calculated differently depending on the situation. She also stated that she did not know what flat rate would constitute fair compensation or how such a rate could be determined. She explained that the Pumpers Pay Scale provides guidance for calculating additional compensation rather than relying on an arbitrary flat rate.
Mr. Sonny Crosby, Public Works Director, addressed the Board. He stated that he agreed the Pumpers Pay Scale is very confusing. He explained that the Administration is not proposing to change the base rate of pay for Pumpers. Rather, the proposed modification addresses how compensation is calculated when an additional pump station is assigned to a Pumper who already operates another station.
Mr. Benjamin Comeaux stated that he completed an exercise that would place every Pumper at the minimum rate of $291.60 for the first engine, with an additional $75.00 for each additional engine. He explained that implementing that method would increase the parish's bi-weekly payroll by approximately $2,000. He further explained that after reviewing every current Pumper's pay, some employees would lose $3.00, some would lose $10.00, and others would receive an increase. He stated that he believed it would be entirely unfair for any employee to lose pay as a result of modifying the Pumpers Pay Scale.
Mr. Comeaux further explained that if every Pumper was placed at the midpoint rate of $375.60 for the first engine, with an additional $75.00 for each additional engine thereafter, no Pumper would lose pay. However, the additional cost to the parish would be approximately $6,000 bi-weekly, totaling approximately $147,940 annually.
Mr. Comeaux stated that he would expect any modification to apply to all current Pumpers. He stated that the current Pumpers are the individuals expressing concerns, and it is the Boards responsibility to ensure those concerns are heard. He further stated that he is concerned individuals will no longer be interested in accepting Pumper positions because of the current rate of pay, which would negatively impact the parish.
Mr. Comeaux stated that he understands some months are less busy for Pumpers than others, and that an average workload would have to be considered. He agreed that the current Pumpers Pay
Scale is very confusing and stated that he believes a flat-rate system would be easier to understand and more advantageous.
Ms. Savonye Anderson stated that a meeting had been held with the Pumpers during which she presented her proposal, and everyone in attendance indicated they were comfortable with the concept.
Mr. Sonny Crosby stated that he was also in favor of Mr. Comeauxs proposal; however, he acknowledged that the additional cost would present another challenge during the budget process. Mr. Crosby stated that he does not want to see any Pumper lose pay and agreed that any modification should apply to all current Pumpers, not just those hired in the future.
Ms. Savonye Anderson stated that the parish currently pays approximately $518,000 annually for Pumper compensation. She explained that the Administration is committed to fairly compensating Pumpers while remaining within the parish's strict budget.
Mr. Sonny Crosby stated that he has been listening to Pumper complaints for quite some time. He explained that every Pumper works under different conditions. Some Pumpers have to travel long distances to reach their pump stations, while others do not. Some must drive a tractor to access their station, and working conditions vary depending on the weather, with some rain events creating extremely difficult operating conditions.
Ms. Anderson reminded everyone that regardless of which option is selected, there will always be advantages and disadvantages. She stated that the Administration is simply trying to find a reasonable compromise while continuing to work with the Pumpers.
Ms. Anderson stated that the Lafourche Parish Government's 2026 budget includes $518,599.90 for Pumper compensation. She advised that the parish currently employs 47 Pumpers, consisting of 19 part-time Pumpers and 28 full-time parish employees who also serve as Pumpers. She further stated that there are currently two vacant Pumper positions, with one additional position expected to become vacant in the near future.
Mr. Benjamin Comeaux then acknowledged the complaints the Board has received regarding temporary pumps. He stated that Pumpers have expressed concerns that they are being asked to operate temporary pumps, in addition to their permanently assigned pumps, without receiving additional compensation.
Mr. Crosby stated that the characterization was not entirely accurate. He explained that Pumpers are only asked to operate temporary pumps at their assigned locations under certain circumstances, typically during heavy rain events. He further stated that Pumpers may choose to operate temporary pumps on their own initiative but are not specifically instructed to do so. However, if a Pumper is directed to operate a temporary pump, the Pumper is compensated accordingly.
Mr. Crosby further explained that if a pump station normally operates with four engines and one engine becomes inoperable, a temporary pump is deployed to that location. The Pumper is then expected to operate the temporary pump while continuing to receive compensation for operating the station's normal four engines. Once the damaged engine is repaired, the temporary pump is removed.
He added that there are occasions when a Pumper may voluntarily start a temporary pump at their location to lower water levels more quickly; however, they are not instructed to do so. He further explained that temporary pumps are routinely tested and operated to keep them in working condition, but those activities are performed by field office staff during regular working hours.
Mr. Adam Lefort asked Mr. Sonny Crosby how often an additional engine is added to an existing pump station, making Scenario #1 applicable. He asked, for example, how often a pump station operating four engines is expanded to five engines. Mr. Crosby responded that it does not happen often. He stated that he has been employed with the parish for six years, and during that time, such a situation has never occurred. He explained that when additional pumps or engines are added, they are typically established as an entirely new pump station. Mr. Lefort stated that because Scenario #1 would rarely occur, the Board should focus primarily on modifying the pay scale using Scenario #2. Ms. Anderson agreed but stated that both scenarios would need to be adopted to account for the rare occurrence of an additional engine being added to an existing pump station.
Mr. Comeaux asked whether there were any instances in which two employees worked at the same pump station while operating different engines. Mr. Crosby responded that there were no such instances.
Ms. Savonye Anderson questioned Mr. Comeaux regarding his earlier comments about retroactive pay. Mr. Comeaux clarified that he was not referring to back pay but rather that he wanted any changes to the Pumper's Pay Scale to apply to all current Pumpers, not just future hires. All Board members, along with Mr. Sonny Crosby, agreed that once implemented, the new rate of pay should apply to all current Pumpers. Ms. Anderson disagreed. Mr. Lefort stated that it would be unfair for someone who has operated as a Pumper for 10 to 20 years to remain on the current pay scale while a newly hired Pumper immediately benefits from the revised pay scale. He further stated that he is concerned current Pumpers may become dissatisfied and resign, requiring the parish to hire new Pumpers under the higher pay scale, ultimately costing the parish more than simply adjusting the pay of those currently performing the work.
Ms. Anderson stated that the parish does not have the budget to adjust the pay of every currently employed Pumper. Mr. Comeaux stated that the new pay plan should become effective January 1, which would allow the parish sufficient time to properly budget for the change. Ms. Anderson responded that the parish is currently working to reduce its 2027 budget, not increase it.
The Board agreed that Pumpers are among the most important employees in the parish because if they are not operating the pump stations, every resident in the community is affected. The Board further agreed that the parish must respect the employees who have been performing these duties for many years. Board members stated that if increasing the budget is necessary to accomplish that goal, then it should be considered, as adopting a new pay plan that benefits only future Pumpers while excluding current Pumpers would be unfair and would not adequately address the issue.
Mr. Comeaux raised another concern regarding the maximum pay scale. He stated that the Pumpers had suggested eliminating the maximum pay level because no one ever reaches it. He questioned why an employee could serve as a Pumper for 20 years and still not reach the maximum rate of pay.
Ms. Jill Naquin, Civil Service Director, responded that this issue exists within the regular classified pay scale as well and is not unique to the Pumper's Pay Scale. She explained that, for example, the maximum hourly rate for a Level 10 employee is $55.99. She stated that no employee currently earns that amount, nor is it likely that anyone ever will, regardless of years of service; however, a maximum pay level must still be established within the pay scale.
Ms. Savonye Anderson explained that the pay scale is adjusted each time merit and COLA increases are approved. As a result, although an employee's salary increases, the pay scale itself also increases, preventing employees from ever reaching the maximum rate.
Ms. Anderson agreed to present the Board's concerns to the Finance Director and the Administration and to return at the next meeting with revised proposals. She stated that she would need to perform several calculations to determine how the proposed changes would work, how many employees would be affected, and how the parish could remain within budget.
The Board agreed and reiterated to Ms. Anderson that whatever new plan the Administration presents must apply to all current Pumpers.
Mr. Benjamin Comeaux stated that the Board should consider scheduling an August meeting so the Administration could present its revised proposal in sufficient time for the parish to prepare its budget. Ms. Anderson stated that budget figures begin being submitted in October.
The Board agreed to schedule the next Civil Service meeting for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to continue the discussion regarding the proposed modification to the Pumpers Pay Scale.
A motion was offered by Mr. Adam Lefort, seconded by Mrs. Trinette Wallace, and carried by a vote of (5) yeas, (0) nays, (0) absent, to hold a Public Hearing regarding the proposed modification to the Pumpers Pay Scale at the September 16, 2026 Civil Service meeting.
Item No. 8 was a discussion concerning adding a new position of Systems Integrator to the Civil Service system on pay grade Level 8; creating the corresponding job description; and considering a motion to proceed with a public hearing.
Ms. Savonye Anderson explained to the Board that the parish currently employs an IT Analyst who possesses a high level of expertise and whose duties have evolved beyond traditional information technology responsibilities to primarily focus on systems integration. She explained that the employee assists several departments with the various systems they utilize and is responsible for ensuring those systems function properly while managing various projects throughout the parish. The Administration would like to create the Systems Integrator job title to more accurately reflect the employee's current job duties. Ms. Anderson further explained that both the IT Analyst and the proposed Systems Integrator positions are assigned to Level 8 of the Classified Pay Plan, resulting in a lateral transfer for the employee.
A motion was offered by Mr. Adam Lefort, seconded by Ms. Kaitlyn Adams, and carried by a vote of (5) yeas, (0) nays, (0) absent, to proceed with a Public Hearing regarding adding the position of
Systems Integrator to the Civil Service system on pay grade Level 8 and creating the corresponding job description.
Item No. 9 was a discussion concerning abolishing the following positions and job descriptions from the Civil Service system as part of the restructuring of the Civil Service Classification Plan:
1.Minute Clerk 1 from pay grade level 1
2.Minute Clerk 2 from pay grade level 2
3.Lafourche Central Market Worker from pay grade level 2
4.Seismic Inspector 1 from pay grade level 3
5.Seismic Inspector 2 from pay grade level 4
6.Seismic Inspector 3 from pay grade level 5
7.Risk Management Assistant 1 from pay grade level 4
8.Risk Management Assistant 2 from pay grade level 5
9.Public Facilities Repair Technician 1 from pay grade level 4
10.Public Facilities Repair Technician 2 from pay grade level 5
11.E911 Address Coordinator 1 from pay grade level 5
12.E911 Address Coordinator 2 from pay grade level 6
13.Field Investigator/Environmental Technician 1 from pay grade level 3
14.Field Investigator/Environmental Technician 2 from pay grade level 4
15.Field Investigator/Environmental Technician 3 from pay grade level 5
16.Assistant Permits Coordinator 1 from pay grade level 3
17.Assistant Permits Coordinator 2 from pay grade level 4
18.Sanitarian 2 from pay grade level 6
19.Executive Assistant 1 from pay grade level 6
20.Executive Assistant 2 from pay grade level 7
21.Right-of-Way Coordinator 1 from pay grade level 5
22.Right-of-Way Coordinator 2 from pay grade level 6
23.Research Analyst from pay grade level 6
24.Mechanic 1 from pay grade level 4
25.Mechanic 2 from pay grade level 5
26.Purchasing Specialist 1 from pay grade level 6
27.Purchasing Specialist 2 from pay grade level 7
28.Assistant Human Resources Manager from pay grade level 8
29.Development Specialist from pay grade level 8
30.CZM Administrator Option B from pay grade level 9
31.Parish Engineer from pay grade level 9
32.Parks Manager from pay grade level 9
Ms. Jill Naquin and Ms. Savonye Anderson explained to the Board that all 32 positions listed were being abolished from the Civil Service system as part of the restructuring of the Classified Pay Plan. Ms. Naquin explained that all of the listed job titles are currently vacant and that abolishing them would not affect any current employees. Ms. Anderson further explained that once the Level 1 and Level 2 positions are removed, the next phase of the restructuring process will be to modify the job titles assigned to Level 3. She stated that this action represents only the first phase of the restructuring process.
A motion was offered by Ms. Kaitlyn Adams, seconded by Mrs. Sarah Daigle, and carried by a vote of (5) yeas, (0) nays, (0) absent, to proceed with a Public Hearing regarding Item No. 9, abolishing the listed 32 positions and job descriptions from the Civil Service system as part of the restructuring of the Civil Service Classification Plan.
The next Civil Service Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Civil Service Meeting Room at the Lafourche Parish Agriculture Building, 402 West Fifth Street, Thibodaux, Louisiana.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was offered by Mr. Adam Lefort, seconded by Ms. Kaitlyn Adams, and carried by a vote of (5) yeas, (0) nays, (0) absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
/s/Adam Lefort
Adam Lefort, Chairman
Civil Service Board
Lafourche Parish Government
/s/Jill Naquin
Jill Naquin, Director
Department of Civil Service
Lafourche Parish Government
I, JILL NAQUIN, Civil Service Director for the Lafourche Parish Government, do hereby certify that the foregoing July 15, 2026, minutes were transcribed to the best of my understanding and is a true copy as adopted by the assembled Civil Service Board in regular session on August 12, 2026, at which meeting a quorum was present.
GIVEN UNDER MY OFFICIAL SIGNATURE AND SEAL OF OFFICE ON THIS 13th, DAY OF AUGUST, 2026.
/s/Jill Naquin
Jill Naquin, Director
Department of Civil Service Lafourche Parish Government
12611434 9/5/26 ($402.24)
Miscellaneous Notices