Average residential bills increase $8.73 monthly; commercial rates more than double
PORT ALLEN – Port Allen residents will see sewer bills increase by approximately $8.73 per month starting with their March billing cycle, as the city council approved rate changes Wednesday night required to secure federal grant funding.
The increases are mandatory to meet Louisiana Community Development Block Grant requirements for sewer system improvements.
The New Rates
Residential customers currently pay $20.40 minimum for the first 2,000 gallons, then $3.55 per 1,000 gallons thereafter. The average bill is $29.97.
Under the new rates effective January 1, 2026:
- Minimum: $24 for first 1,500 gallons
- Usage: $4.60 per 1,000 gallons thereafter
- Average bill: $38.70
Commercial customers see steeper increases:
- Minimum: $50 for first 1,500 gallons (up from $20.40)
- Usage: $5.50 per 1,000 gallons thereafter (up from $3.55)
- Average bill: $101.75 for typical 10,909-gallon usage
Customers won’t see increases until March 1 billing, due March 26.
Why the Increase
Federal grants now require cities maintain a 1.15 “sustainability factor”—generating $1.15 for every $1.00 in expenses. The extra revenue funds future infrastructure replacement rather than just covering current costs.
“They’re tired of giving out aid without the systems trying to upkeep their infrastructure,” Timmy LeMoine from Louisiana Rural Water Association told the council during his rate study presentation.
The city currently faces a $96,412 deficit at existing rates. The new rates generate approximately $200,000 annually in surplus for equipment replacement.
LeMoine outlined sobering infrastructure realities:
- Sewer lift stations: 30-year lifespan
- Water wells: 40 years
- PVC pipe: 30 years before deterioration
“There is an expiration on every single piece of infrastructure you’ve got out there,” he said.
Protecting Low-Income Residents
Finance Director Adrian Daigle and Mayor Terecita Pattan adjusted the initial proposal to reduce impact on seniors and low-income residents.
The original plan raised minimum charges from $20.40 to $30—a $9.60 monthly increase for customers using little or no water. The adjusted plan limits that increase to $3.60 for minimal users by lowering the minimum tier from 2,000 to 1,500 gallons.
“The mayor and I thought that was better than those people getting a $10 increase,” Daigle explained.
The ordinance passed unanimously 5-0.
Code Enforcement Extension
In other business, the council granted property owner Theodore Melancon 60 days to address code violations at 626 Gladiolas Street after he explained upcoming brain surgery on November 17 and other health challenges.
Living alone while his wife receives dementia care, Melancon asked for additional time beyond the standard 30-day extension. Council members agreed, with Councilwoman April King noting recovery time would be needed after surgery.
“You need more than 30 days if you’re going to go to the hospital,” King said. “I’m trying to help you out.”
Police Vehicle Surplus
Chief Donovan Mitchell received authorization to surplus a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe requiring $4,794 in repairs—deemed too expensive for a vehicle that age.
The vehicle sat unused from 2023 through early 2025, broke down within weeks after initial repairs, and would continue consuming resources without providing reliable service.
The council approved the surplus unanimously.
Property Subdivision Request Fails
A Maryland Avenue property owner’s request to subdivide a lot with two houses failed after council debate about setting precedent.
The proposal would have allowed properties with multiple detached dwellings to subdivide in the downtown mixed-use district. Council members worried about devaluing neighboring properties and triggering similar requests throughout the city.
Despite arguments that subdivision would enable renters to become homeowners, the ordinance did not advance.
Committee Meetings November 5
During committee meetings the previous week, the council addressed several routine items:
Code Enforcement Update: Multiple properties received violation notices, with most property owners working to resolve issues. One property owner received a 60-day extension due to health issues, while others face ongoing enforcement.
Police Report: Chief Mitchell reported 269 calls for service in October, 33 arrests, 19 traffic crashes, and 42 traffic citations. The department successfully sold five surplus vehicles and recovered $3,500 in insurance savings.
What’s Next
The sewer rate ordinance takes effect January 1, but customers have until late February before seeing increases on bills.
The city will submit required documentation to Louisiana Community Development Block Grant to secure funding for sewer collection system repairs.
Additional utility fee increases for reconnection charges and deposits remain under consideration, with public hearings held Wednesday night.
The Port Allen City Council meets on the first and second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM at City Hall.
Posted on November 14, 2025 by John Summers
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