Thibodaux City Council rejects public comment proposal, approves audits and ordinance changes
The Thibodaux City Council unanimously rejected a proposal last Tuesday night that would have added a new agenda item allowing residents to directly address the city’s executive leadership during council meetings.
The motion would have directed the council administrator to prepare a resolution amending the council’s rules in order to create a designated agenda item for public comments and questions directed at the executive branch, with those comments entered into the official record.
Councilwoman Monique Crochet, Councilman Lester Bimah, Varick Taylor Sr. and Micheal Naquin all voted against the proposal. Councilman Chad Mire was absent.
Naquin, who requested the item be placed on the agenda, said the proposal stemmed from a constituent email and centered on clarifying the separation of powers outlined in the city’s charter.
Other council members said they believed the current meeting structure already allows for transparency and public participation.
Financial resolutions approved
In other business, the council unanimously approved several financial resolutions, including authorizing Mayor Kevin Clement to sign an engagement letter with EisnerAmper, LLP for the city’s annual audit for fiscal year 2025 at a cost not to exceed $77,425.
Additional resolutions approved EisnerAmper to conduct statewide agree-upon procedures required by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor at a cost not to exceed $15,500, as well as auditing services for the city’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program for $7,350.
Water tower project change order
The council also approved a $16,575 change order for the Canal Boulevard/Candy Lane Water Tower Painting Project due to unforeseen labor and material needs inside the tower. The change raises the total project cost to $785,309.32.
Ordinances and other actions
Council members introduced an ordinance to create a new school zone near Nicholls State University, with a public hearing
(Photo by: Trent Granberry)
scheduled for the next council meeting.
The council unanimously adopted an ordinance amending the city’s utility collection procedures, clarifying late fees, disconnection timelines and service charges.
Another ordinance raised the speed limit on Belle Meade Boulevard from 15 mph to 25 mph, removing the street from the lower-speed zone that includes several roads on the Nicholls State campus.
Additionally, the council approved the 2026 Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department Fire Board appointments and authorized a $15,500 professional services contract with Artisan Pyrotechnics, Inc. for the city’s 2026 Let Freedom Ring Festival fireworks show.
Due to Mardi Gras, the council voted to move its next regular meeting from Tuesday, Feb. 17, to Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. at Thibodaux City Hall. Meetings are open to the public and livestreamed on the city’s official Facebook page.
