The Gonzales City Council rolled over the 8.55 mil rate for property subject to ad valorem taxes within the city, and renewed a three-year contract with accounting firm Postlewaite & Netterville to be the city auditor.

The council also appointed Terry Richard to the city civil service board during the regular meeting Monday at City Hall.

Richard replaces John Cagnolatti who resigned from the board to run for the Division E city council seat. Cagnolatti was the only candidate qualifying with the Office of the Clerk of Court for the seat to be left empty by Alvin “Bully” Dragg. Long-time councilman Dragg announced his resignation at the previous council meeting.

Richard’s appointment creates a full sitting board required for appointments based on civil service exams, including fire chief.

The position of fire chief vacated by former Chief Butch Browning when Browning was named State Fire Marshal was held temporarily by former Assistant Chief Dwayne Gipson, who was called up by the National Guard and has since left the department, and by Tracey Normand who is currently acting chief.

Mayor Johnny Berthelot has said he will most likely leave the chief’s position vacant through the end of his term in order to allow the next elected Mayor of Gonzales to make the appointment of his choice.