Terrebonne budget approved without challenges

It only took 17.3 seconds last Wednesday for the Terrebonne Parish Council to approve its 2012 budget after it had been reviewed in committee since being presented in proposed form on Sept. 28.

The $196.3 million financial plan represents a 1 percent, approximately $1.8 million, boost from the 2011 budget.

Calling for discussion, to which there was no response, Council Chairman Clayton Voisin dropped the gavel in favor of the plan that includes a 3 percent cost of living pay increase for parish government workers, and $14.5 million in operating and 5-year capital outlay.

Wage and salary increased for the parish’s nearly 1,000 workers come at a cost of $850,000.

Capital outlay funds cover no re-occurring expenditures that include drainage improvements to the Bayou Chauvin Canal, Bayou LeCarpe, the High Ridge levee, Hollywood road drainage, the Summerfield pump station and Aviation Road drainage at a collective cost of more than $1 million.

Costs estimated in excess of $1.5 million have been budgeted for improvements to the Terrebonne adult corrections center roof and work on downtown parking improvements.

Funding of $1.6 million is allocated for road and bridge projects that include La. Highway 24 sidewalks, Country Drive improvements, and enhancements to the Dularge Bridge and a road extension from Hollywood Road and Valhi Boulevard to Savanne and Equity roads.

Transit operations and public safety programs will receive $231,000 in capital outlay, and contributions to a proposed skate park total $130,000. Approximately $1.2 million is set for coastal restoration.

Other action included the appointment of Lynn Mabry to the Broadmoor Tree Fund Advisory Committee and Dr. Ricky Melancon to the CMZ Advisory Committee.