Opelousas Daily World
October 4, 2026
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN TAKEN AT APUBLIC HEARING MEETING HELDSEPTEMBER 22, 2026, AT 6:00PM AT THE ARNAUDVILLEMEETING ROOM, 107 RUE DE JAUSIERS, ARNAUDVILLE, LA 7O512
Present Mayor, Todd Meche
Aldermen Jamie Huval, Virginia LeCompte, John Taylor, Ryan Courville,Debbie Kidder
Absent -0-
Town Clerk Brenda Richard
Town Attorney Kay Theunissen
Town Engineer Kenny Boagni (Absent)
Police Chief Josh Ross
Utility Superintendent Todd Abshire (Absent)
Parks and Recreation Director Zelma Jackson (Absent)
Called to Order
Prayer Alderman Ryan Courville
Pledge said by all
Citizens' Concerns (2 minutes)
Old Business
Adopt August 25, 2026, Regular Town Meeting Minutes
Alderwoman Debbie Kidder motioned to adopt August 25, 2026 town meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman John Taylor. Motion passed.
Adopt Budget to Actual/ Budget Comparison for August 2026
Alderwoman Debbie Kidder motioned to adopt budget comparison for August 2026. Seconded by Alderman Ryan Courville. Motion passed.
Utility ReportTodd Abshire (Absent)
Mayor Meche explained that a branch fell on a sewer line crossing the bayou. Line did not break but supports needed to be reinforced. Town has received a block grant to do upgrades to sewer plant required by the State. $655,875.00 grant has been awarded to the Town.
Police ReportChief Josh Ross
As of September 22,2026, members of the Arnaudville Police Department have processed 54citations, completed 74 police reports, and responded to over 101 calls to service this month.
The current state of the department is as follows
Investigations: N/A
Staffing: The Arnaudville Police Department is fully staffed at this time.
Training Update: This month has been especially busy in the training arena, as we have 2 policeofficers in the St. Martin Parish Sheriffs Office POST academy, 2 officers who completed NWSStorm Spotter Training, 2 officers who completed their Forensic Data certifications, 2 officerswho certified in Narcan for LE, and K-9 Toji completed his second National K-9 Certification.
Toji is now certified with American Working Dogs Association, and National Drug DetectionDogs Association, and will be obtaining his third certification with US Police K-9's Associationnext week.
Vehicle Update: All are operating as they should
General Information: The Arnaudville Police Department attended and assisted the ArnaudvilleVolunteer Fire Department with their annual black pot cook-off. We are pleased to announce thatthis event went well, and no problems were reported.
An Arnaudville Police Department App is wrapping up development. This app will be availablefree of charge on the Apple l-Tunes Store and Google Play Store in the coming weeks. Inaddition to being able to see current arrests, submit anonymous tips, and follow informationpertaining to current events, Citizens will also be able to request extra patrol of their residence,and receive real time push notification pertaining to emergency events.
Community Concerns: As a reminder to everyone, Hurricane Season is still upon us, lastingthrough November. While we have been lucky thus far, we encourage everyone to keep theirguard up and ensure they are adequately prepared for any anomalies.
Requests:
I would ask this council to approve Trick or Treating for Saturday Oct 31st , 2026 from 6-8pm and turning Swamp, Quebedeaux, and Washington streets into a one-way, closing Fourth, N. Mills, and Olive Street on Saturday, October 31,2025 beginning at 5:45 P.M. and ending at 8:15 P.M., as previouslydone in the past for Trick-or-Treating.
Alderwoman Debbie Kidder motioned to approve the request made by Chief Ross. Seconded by Alderman Ryan Courville. Motion passed.
Parks and RecreationZelma Jackson (Absent)
Volleyball is happening now. For the new recreation area behind the Civic Center, Engineer Kenny Boagni is surveying the property. More updates to come.
New Business
Audit report for fiscal year 2025-2026 Burton Kolder
Brad Kolder started with the Audit findings and continued with the Utility fund audit results. Expenses were down due to replacing equipment instead of constantly repairing it. When compared to previous years, the town is in good standing financially with the Utility fund. No questions were asked by the council.
Burton Kolder started his presentation by going over the summary of overall operations numbers for the year. Town came in good shape with the variance allowed, which is what we strive for. Surplus is up, expenses are down and the Town is in great shape. Some money was reinvested into assets for the town. It is buildings, property and such. With the actual cash on hand, the Town can operate for 643 days or 21.4 months without taking in any money. This is phenomenal. A town should have in surplus enough money for at least 60 days or 2 months. General fund is healthy and holding its own. All in all the town is in fantastic financial shape.
There were no questions from the Council on the findings.
Motion was made by Alderman John Taylor to accept the findings of the Audit. Seconded by Alderman Ryan Courville. Motion passed.
Up-DatesMayor Meche
Halloween is on Saturday Oct 31, 6-8pm
Recreation at Community Center Lions Club
Erica Janice introduced members and explained what the Lions club does for communities, which is endless. She offered to apply for a grant to help with the recreation project behind the Community Center. The Lions club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 in the Community Center.
Grant update In October bids will go out for the gas meter project. Once this is complete, we can start the process to apply for a capital outlay grant to help assist in having permanent bathrooms installed in the park.
Adjourn
Alderwoman Debbie Kidder motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Alderman Ryan Courville. Motion passed.
10/4/26 ($113.16)
Miscellaneous Notices