City Council Budget Mtg 090826

The City Council of New Iberia held a budget meeting on September 9, 2026, to review and discuss the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Department heads presented their budgets, highlighting stable funding with minor increases primarily for salaries, training, and capital outlay projects. Significant procurement-related discussions included the purchase of two used vehicles for the collections department, refurbishment of fire trucks instead of new purchases, and capital improvement projects such as the long-awaited frontage road engineering and upgrades at the Pepper Plex sports complex. The council also discussed grant funding, including a $750,000 grant for pump station upgrades and ongoing efforts to secure additional grants for infrastructure and affordable housing projects. The police department outlined plans to replace aging vehicles and maintain equipment under state contracts. The council voted to call a public hearing on October 6, 2026, for the consolidated budget statement and addressed increased legal costs by budgeting for additional attorneys. Overall, the meeting focused on maintaining current services while advancing key capital projects and managing procurement within budget constraints.