The Port Allen Police Department is getting six free radios from a neighboring agency — and Chief Donovan Mitchell wants the community to know how it happened.

PORT ALLEN — The Port Allen City Council approved the first steps toward acquiring land for a new wastewater treatment plant Wednesday, June 10, while also learning that a recent news story about the police department's equipment needs prompted a neighboring agency to donate six radios.

Neighboring Agency Offers Radio Donation After Equipment Story

Mitchell told the council that a recent news story about the department's equipment shortfalls prompted Brusly Police Department to offer six surplus radios — three in-car units and three portables — before they were sent to surplus.

"They didn't have to do that," Mitchell said, "but they reached out and it helped out tremendously."

The transfer is still being finalized. WBR Independent will have a full update once the process is complete.

City Takes First Steps on Sewer Plant Land Purchase

The council authorized an appraisal and approved a contingent purchase agreement for a 31-acre tract along Louisiana Highway 1, the first formal steps toward acquiring land for a new wastewater treatment plant.

City Engineer Tony Arikol of Forte & Tablada said the city only needs six or seven of the 31 acres for the plant itself. The contingent agreement locks the seller into holding the property while the city works through required legal steps — including the appraisal, environmental review, wetland study, and pipeline assessments — that could take three to four months.

The council also introduced an ordinance authorizing up to $3 million for the purchase, drawing on roughly $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds that were recently cleared by the U.S. Treasury Department. Mayor Terecita Pattan's administration proposed using the investment funds rather than taking on debt. The ordinance will go to a public hearing and vote at the next meeting.

In Brief

Utility leak assistance program tabled: The council pumped the brakes on a proposed opt-out program that would add between $1 and $2.30 per month to customer utility bills to cover high water bills caused by leaks. Council members said they wanted residents to have more input before moving forward. The program's administrator said a letter could be crafted to poll citizens on interest. Councilwoman Charlene Gordon said she saw value in the program but agreed residents should weigh in first.

Job posting ordinance introduced: The council introduced an ordinance that would allow the city to post job vacancies on its Facebook page and website for seven days rather than in the official journal, which carries a publication cost. The change is not required by state law. The ordinance will go to a public hearing before a final vote next month.

Lawnmowers approved: The council approved the purchase of two zero-turn commercial mowers at a cost of $22,852.84 for the Roads and Streets Department after a lengthy discussion comparing Bobcat and Exmark models. Streets and drainage staff argued the Bobcat's thicker cutting deck, commercial transmission, and protected deck wheels would offer better long-term durability. Council Member Adrian Joseph made the motion.

July 4th holiday shift: City employees will observe the July 4th holiday on Monday, July 6, rather than Friday, July 3.