Baldwin takes steps to fix utility losses, compliance

Baldwin residents have 25 days to pay utility bills before being cut off from service.
The existing 45-day cut off period will be shortened by ordinance due to requirements of the town’s bond financing agreement.
An ordinance will be drafted and voted on by the board of aldermen at an upcoming meeting.
The board essentially has no choice but to approve the change since it is required by law to ensure a municipal utility generates enough funding to meet payments on the bond issue that was used to construct it.
Reconnect fees will also rise to $50 from the existing $25.
The town will also consider an ordinance designating a drinking water protection area around the water plant.
Jesse Means, representing the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, has been traveling the state urging public water systems to initiate safeguard against water contamination. It regulates what sorts of land use can be located within 1,000 feet of a water source, especially those with potential leakage of contaminating liquids. The ordinance, if Baldwin decides to adopt it, is not mandatory.
Mayor Donna Lewis Lanceslin also said that at the recommendation of the town’s auditor a bill collection agency will be hired.
The firm, NetPlea, will attempt to collect some $225,000 in unpaid utility and other bills owed to the town.
In other business during Thursday’s meeting of the Board of Aldermen, Donald Grimm addressed the board regarding its policies. Grimm suggested that the town needs to review its long-standing policies in light of the recent resignation of a member of the board of aldermen. In that case, the “tradition” of appointing the next-highest vote-getter in the previous election is generally followed. The mayor and board, however, chose another person to fill the seat until a special election in October.
Grimm recommended that a citizen advisory board be created to help the town revise its policies. Later in the meeting Lanceslin announced that she is seeking interested community members to volunteer for a “community committee” to meet in the future. Baldwin residents can sign up at town hall.
Grimm also pleaded for support of athletic programs, noting that the town’s Pee Wee basketball team will be competing in a national competition this summer. A bucket drive will be held in support of the team on June 20. Grimm said a tax should be considered for recreational purposes.
Alderman Clarence Vappie noted that such a tax had been proposed to voters in the past and was soundly defeated. Grimm said it would be worth making the attempt again.
In other business:
—Marilyn Burgess thanked the mayor, board, departments and employees for their efforts in working to improve the town.
—The town cleanup set for Saturday has been canceled due to forecasts of inclement weather.
—The Banner-Tribune was appointed the town’s official journal.
—Four members of the fire department were given approval to attend the 110th Annual Louisiana State Fireman’s Association Conference in Marksville.
—The July 9 meeting has been changed to July 16.