By Vicki Raven
DeQuincy City Council meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 14, by Eddy Dahlquist, council president. Invocation and prayer were led by Mayor Riley Smith and Scott Wylie. Regular meeting minutes for June 9, 2025 and Agenda for July 14, 2025 were approved by council.
Mayor Smith announced a van purchased for Dept. of Corrections Inmate work detail for the city. He congratulated Chief Annajo Haynes for her extensive training and acknowledged City Attorney Mark Judson for acheiving his one year with the city. The Mayor also mentioned that Tuesday, July 15, was “Ask a lawyer” day with an open door, free of charge at Mark Judson’s office.
Four resolutions were adopted during the council meeting. They are as follows:
Adopt a resolution regarding the adjusted millage rate of 5.930 set by the parish tax assessor.
Adopt a resolution regarding setting forth the adjusted millage rate and roll forward to a millage rate not exceeding the maximum authorized rate of 6.020.
Adopt a resolution authorizing Mayor Smith to negotiate and execute a contract with Garver for professional services for Hurricane Laura Recovery Project for the Airport – Box Hangar #2 rebuilt (fully funded by FEMA).
Adopt a resolution authorizing Mayor Smith to negotiate and execute a contract with CSRS for professional services related to disaster recovery grants and project management.
Sewer User Fees Discussed
It was brought to the city council’s attention by a concerned business owner and citizen about the fee increase. Citizens specifically asked for this increase to be lowered.
Mayor Smith spoke on the rising cost of the sewer bills. Many repairs to the city’s sewer system have been completed along with new installations and equipment. The Mayor sought a grant and a bond to help fix all these problems. DEQ left the city no choice but to increase city rates.
Proceed with next step of the condemnation process, which is to send to the Parish for Inspection, on several structures located at 404 Velmer St., 230 Jackson St., 218 Jackson St. and 210 Jefferson St.
Property at 228 Jackson St. is in Property Condemnation Process, a family representative asked to postpone this process in lieu of possible sale of property. Council recommended process to continue with a four month deadline of possible sale on Nov. 10, 25.
Final step of condemnation on 208 Hall St. was postponed for 30 days.
Meeting adjourned.
