Town lands major capital outlay projects after years of advocacy while maintaining strong financial position
ADDIS — The Town of Addis secured $10.5 million in state capital outlay funding for two major infrastructure projects while receiving a clean audit report that shows strong financial management despite significant litigation costs, officials announced at Monday night’s council meeting.
The funding breakthrough includes $2.9 million for town hall planning and construction (Priority 5) and $7.6 million for the Peter Messina Road extension project, with $760,000 in Priority 2 funding and $6.84 million in Priority 5 funding.
“This is the town hall in House Bill 2 is something I have tried to get, you know. So finally, it’s, you know, I know it’s Priority 5, but hey, we’re on the books finally,” Mayor David Toups told the council. “So we’ve got to start somewhere.”
Years of Advocacy Pay Off
The mayor emphasized that getting projects listed in Priority 5 represents a crucial first step, comparing Addis’s situation to Brusly’s successful progression from Priority 5 to funded status for their town hall and police building.
“When Brusly got that town hall and police building and stuff, they started out in Priority 5 and it took them three, four, five years to finally get it to where it was cash,” Toups explained. “But now, once we have plans, we can get more serious about that because once we have plans, then they’ll see we’re more serious about it and they’ll move it up higher priorities throughout the year.”
The council authorized Toups to sign any necessary cooperative endeavor agreements when they become available, with Town Attorney Dana Larpenteur reviewing the documents.
Strong Financial Position Despite Challenges
Baxley & Associates delivered an unmodified “clean opinion” for the town’s 2024 audit, the highest level of assurance available. The audit revealed a $38 million net position despite an overall net loss of $1.8 million, primarily attributed to a litigation settlement.
“The town of Addis got the highest level,” said auditor Stacy Joffrion. “It says that your auditor is getting reasonable assurance that there were no material misstatements found in your audit report, and that your financial statements present fairly your financial position and your results of operations during the year.”
The town’s total assets increased $2.6 million to $49 million, driven by $1 million in increased operating cash from sales tax growth and $1.2 million in new capital assets from ongoing infrastructure projects.
Revenue Performance Exceeds Expectations
The general fund showed particularly strong performance, with revenues exceeding projections while expenses remained controlled. Sales tax revenue increased during the year due to inflation and new business openings in both the parish and district.
However, the town faced significant expense increases totaling $4.4 million, primarily from the litigation settlement that was recognized during the audit period even though payments will extend through 2027.
Bottom Line Up Front: Addis maintains healthy $6.1 million in unrestricted reserves while securing major state funding for long-awaited infrastructure projects, demonstrating fiscal discipline during challenging circumstances.
Auditor Praises Town Operations
Joffrion highlighted the town’s “attitude of integrity and a desire to do things correctly” among employees, board members, and the mayor. The audit found no internal control findings or noncompliance issues.
“Your employees and your board, your mayor, everyone has an attitude of integrity and a desire to do things correctly,” she said, praising Town Clerk Jade Simpson’s organization and the council’s monthly review of budget-to-actual statements and payables.
The town had no findings in 2024 and achieved no exceptions on statewide agreed-upon procedures in 2023, earning them an exemption for 2024.
Other Council Business
Business Licenses Approved: The council approved beer and liquor permits for Addis Country Store LLC at the Shell gas station location. Representative Bert Parham said the store awaits final health permits before opening, with the road construction project still ongoing.
Drainage Improvements: The town received $35,000 through the L-GAP grant program for drainage work on three ditches on the south end of town, the first such funding in several years.
Infrastructure Updates: Public Works Superintendent Travis Bourgoyne reported the First Street sewer project nearing completion with tie-ins planned this week, while the Addis Lane project progresses with new meter installations.
Police Equipment: The council declared surplus two aging patrol vehicles (2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Tahoes) for auction through LaMats, while offering a 2019 Harley-Davidson motorcycle to Port Allen Police Department for approximately $11,000-$13,000 before potentially listing it for public sale.
Traffic Safety: Mayor Toups announced the purchase of five electronic speed limit signs, including one to replace a unit vandalized on the south end of town. New signs will be installed on Ed Lejeune Street and Peter Messina Road to address speeding complaints.
The next Addis Town Council meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Town Hall.
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