Port’s audit clean

West St. Mary Port commissioners received an “unmodified opinion” on their annual audit, meaning no issues were found with the district’s financials.
Alan Taylor, Kolder, Champagne, Slaven & Co. LLC, presented the report Tuesday. The port has no debt, and $15.04 million in assets.
The audit was for the financial year ended Dec. 31.
Also Tuesday, Executive Director David Allain said that standing water at the site of the industrial park on the Charenton Navigation and Drainage Canal needs to be pumped out.
Allain said there is a 20-inch pump and system of levees in place left by the previous owner, and suggested the commission revamp the pump. Cleco has agreed to run three-phase power to a 50-hp motor to operate it.
The port already owns the motor, and Allain said a switch gear would be needed, and overhaul of the pump. There are also slight deficiencies in the levees that would be addressed.
All told, the cost would be less than $30,000. A new pump alone would cost $42,000.
Allain said grass cutters have been unable to access the property.
The commission agreed to the proposal.