The Ascension Parish Council’s Finance Committee in a rescheduled meeting Monday discussed, but voted to postpone, the introduction of an ordinance by Council Chairman Pat Bell that would grant a mileage allowance for parish council members.
Bell’s proposal would provide councilmen a reimbursement for travel within the boundaries of Ascension Parish while on government work, which they currently do not receive.
Councilman George Valentine proposed a motion to defer Bell’s proposal until the finance committee studied it more in depth. The vote on the motion was split 5-5, until committee Chairman Chris Loar broke the tie by voting in favor of the deferring the matter.
Committee members Adrian Thompson, Randy Clouatre, Dennis Cullen, Randy Clouatre, Dempsey Lambert and Bell voted against the delay.
Voting for the delay were Valentine, Kent Schexnaydre, Oliver Joseph, Todd Lambert and Benny Johnson.
The committee said it would consider Bell’s proposal at the next monthly meeting Jan. 15.
In an unrelated matter, Chief Financial Officer Gwen LeBlanc reported that October sales tax revenue in the parish rose, probably due to increased business in area stores in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav.
She said overall sales tax collections continue ahead of last year.
In another matter, Parish President Tommy Martinez reported to the committee that Lamar-Dixon Expo Center owner Mary Lee Dixon is no longer interested in selling the property to the parish or the State of Louisiana.
Martinez said Thursday the government entities could probably bid on it at another price, but the original deal is no longer available.
He said Dixon told him she plans to start national marketing the facility in January.
The facility faces closure early this summer when the parish lease/purchase agreement with the center expires.
