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BRANDY FLEMING

SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

On February 4, 2025, the Bogalusa City Council convened to discuss key resolutions and voted on the appointment of a new council member, July Kellis. The meeting proceeded without Mayor Truong, who was absent, and with limited attendance from the administrative staff.

The first major resolution involved authorizing Truong to declare certain city properties for auction. These items were listed on the Bogalusa Police Department’s inventory, with the Public Works Department also included in the auction process. The council passed this motion unanimously.

A second significant resolution was introduced to support the appointment of a fiscal administrator for Bogalusa. This decision followed a January 29, 2025 hearing by Louisiana’s Fiscal Review Committee, which voted to place the city under fiscal administration due to financial instability. Robert Nielson, CPA, was recommended by the committee to serve as the city’s fiscal administrator. During the meeting councilwoman Gloria Kates emphasized that the council fully supported this move Stating, “Be it resolved that the city council and the government authority for the city of Bogalusa is on record as supporting the Fiscal Review Committee’s vote,” The council approved the resolution unanimously.

Councilman Mark Irvine revealed that during the Fiscal Review Committee hearing, the council learned of serious financial issues, including $1.2 million in unpaid federal taxes and over $600,000 in unpaid state taxes. Public concerns were raised about the fiscal administration process, to which councilwoman Kates clarified that the administrator had been recommended by Louisiana’s legislative auditors. Additionally, councilman Irvine commented that a letter was received on January 10, 2025, indicating that the city’s sewer system had fallen out of compliance with the Department of Environmental Quality standards.

Another resolution was presented and approved to appoint July Kellis as the new council member for District D, replacing councilman Kenny Kellis. The motion passed without opposition.

Addressing infrastructure concerns, councilman Wilton Dunaway emphasized the urgent need to hire an engineer to resolve Bogalusa’s ongoing water and sewer compliance issues, stating, “We have got to get in compliance.”

Towards the conclusion of the meeting, councilman Irvine advocated for fair treatment of city employees, emphasizing teamwork and improved communication. He also criticized the current payment system for council members, calling for a transition to direct deposit. Irvine further highlighted the importance of updating the city charter, which has been in place since 1978. He expressed support for adopting a council administrative form of government, remarking “It’s time to vote for a new charter.”