Development News for Gonzales, Louisiana

DPW Report: Utility and Sewer System Maintenance and Repairs

The DPW report detailed ongoing utility work, including repaired water leaks, installed new water and gas meters, daily locates for LA 1 call, daily checks of water wheels and water samples, and flushing fire hydrants as needed. A positive report on the water system from TMB was noted. The sewer department repaired a pump at lift station number 25, made sewer repairs at the Galleries of Gonzales shopping center, and at 570 Doughty Drive. They also poured the driveway back on South Burnside Avenue after sewer repairs and lifted two transformers at lift station number eight. The sewer department also cleaned the influent, effluent, and contact chamber at the wastewater treatment plant.

Engineering Report: Updates on Freeland Jackson Center, I Lady Lake Roadway, and Kennedy Heights Projects

The engineering report provided an update on several projects. The Freeland Jackson Center is anticipating an early June opening, pending permanent power connection from Entergy, which was projected for the last week of May. To maintain productivity, the contractor is advancing final roadway paving. For the I Lady Lake roadway project, donation documents have been sent to I Lady Lake for final approval by Jessie Babcock and her board, with construction start pending approval. The Kennedy Heights project is moving forward, with a pre-construction meeting scheduled for Thursday. The project was bid as a 270-day contract, estimated to be completed by March 2027 if construction begins in June. The bid for Kennedy Heights was awarded with no issues.

City Council Adopts Amended Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Fund Budget

The city council held a final vote on ordinance number 4304, adopting the fiscal year 2026-2027 general fund budget. Prior to the final vote, a motion was made and passed to amend the general fund budget. Amendments included adding specific pages itemizing city of Gonzales salary departments, readopting salary and range schedules with a 2.4% cost of living increase, reducing community development funds from $100,000 to $50,000, reducing the Joe Life Festival Association funds from $50,000 to $30,000, reducing the senior citizens budget from $12,000 to $5,000, adding $60,000 to the self-insured property damage fund, and reducing budget salaries in the general funds by $77,000. The final vote on the amended ordinance 4304 passed.

City Approves Community Partnership with Shawn Nelson Foundation for Annual Camp

The city council approved a community partnership with the Shawn Nelson Foundation for their sixth annual camp. Shawn Nelson presented the endeavor agreement, seeking support for camp expenses including field use, insurance, food, tents, fans, and uniforms. He highlighted the need for external funding from the city and local businesses. A recap video from the previous year was shown, featuring participants and acknowledging support from the mayor and others. Mr. Nelson also discussed plans for an upcoming eight-week camp in the fall. The application presented was for the one-day camp. The motion to approve the partnership passed.