Parish reaffirms $1.93 million match for Building 1004 EOC renovations amid questions about grant administration

Plaquemines Parish Council on May 14 reaffirmed the parish's commitment to match state funding for renovations to Building 1004, a project that will house an emergency operations center and 911 call center.

Council member Champagne explained the parish previously approved a resolution and that the council was being asked to reconfirm its commitment because the parish match is substantial: $1,930,638.90, with the state providing approximately $2,189,000. Champagne said the reaffirmation responds to the requirements of the state and the high level of parish matching funds.

Council members spent significant time clarifying funding sources and grant administration. Discussion focused on a separate $100,000 grant for the EOC project from which the state would deduct a $25,000 administrative fee, leaving $75,000 for the project; some members asked whether that $25,000 would be paid from general fund dollars or another grant fund. Administration and council members said the deduction is an administrative requirement of the state program and not a local choice.

The council also approved an ordinance to set aside 3% of total project costs into a maintenance account as required by state law (discussed in the meeting as a statewide mandate enacted in 2024). The 3% maintenance requirement is to ensure future upkeep of capital assets. A clerk read the maintenance calculation and a staff member said the amount to be set aside was consistent with the digest.

The reaffirmation resolution and related budget actions were approved without recorded dissent. Council asked administration to continue oversight of design and bidding and to provide clarity in future digests so members have exact fund and accounting information before votes.