Public commenter urges review of parish spending on coffee and bottled water; procurement staff says state contract is cost‑effective

During public comment Sept. 3, resident Rob Kepler urged the council to examine how much parish government spends on coffee and bottled water and to consider cost reductions. Kepler cited figures for various parish offices and framed his remarks as a request that administration identify more economical options.

"The parish council government spent $64,004.79 dollars last year on coffee alone," Kepler said in remarks to the council, adding estimated totals when combining other offices. His presentation asked the council to consider fiscal responsibility and to review whether current practices represent proper use of public funds.

Procurement staff responded with contract details and year‑over‑year spending data. "Based on 2025 numbers, water combined ... was 39,045 for the year. For coffee, it was 40,521," Mr. Hoover said, explaining that most coffee and water purchases are made via a state participating addendum that provides equipment at no charge if minimum spend thresholds are met and that the contract is competitively bid.

After discussion, council members moved to remove the resolution asking administration to identify alternatives from the agenda; the motion to remove carried unanimously with one absence. Several council members said the existing state contract is cost‑effective and that procurement practices had been reviewed at committee.

The exchange highlighted differing perspectives: a member of the public urging a formal study of recurring office supplies and staff pointing to competitive procurement and contract terms that reduce direct equipment costs.