Baldwin hears finances, updates

Baldwin aldermen received a financial report from the mayor Thursday.
Mayor Wayne Breaux reported a current general fund balance of $89,000.
The town has struggled with decreased revenues over the past few years. In recent months the administration has paid off or is about to retire debts, that has aided in addressing those shortfalls somewhat.
Also Thursday, a citizen of Baldwin, David Bruner, said he is planning to file suit after being “treated like a common criminal” by a Baldwin police officer during a traffic stop.
Bruner said the officer, who he did not identify, was rude to himself and his wife and that he has spoken with Chief Gerald Minor repeatedly. He indicated he had not received satisfaction as yet.
In other business, Kayron Ceasar, representing Baldwin Little League, thanked the board for work on the baseball field and facilities done so far but said there’s much more to be done. Ceasar said he is planning fundraisers such as an adult tournament later this month to help the league continue.
Also Thursday:
—The board renewed its millage rate at 11.31 mils, the same as it has been in the previous year.
—Breaux reported that efforts continue to design and obtain rights-of-way for the Bayou Choupique flood control project.
—The mayor also said he will meet with federal authorities next week and hopes to have final approval for locating a fire substation below the U.S. 90 overpass at the end of Martin Luther King Street.
—The board will consider revisions to its property owner grass upkeep ordinance and discuss it at the September meeting.
—There will be sewer system smoke testing throughout the town on Aug. 19. Residents may see smoke rising from their yards, or possibly from their home plumbing. Breaux said the smoke is harmless, and if it appears from home plumbing it is the homeowners’s responsibility to have the plumbing repaired.
—Several candidates in the November elections addressed the council, including Dean Wattigny, candidate for district judge in Division A; Tai Green, candidate for district judge Division G; and Al Thibodeaux, candidate for Baldwin Police Chief.