Belinda
Stevenson

What should the council do about the scheduled water and sewer rate increases?

Their pick: Review the schedule after the water upgrades are done

I believe the next council should review the 2023 water and sewer rate ordinance before residents continue absorbing automatic increases each year without understanding the impact. The city must maintain and improve an aging utility system, but residents also deserve transparency and accountability. I would support an independent review of operating costs, debt obligations, infrastructure needs, revenues, and how previous rate increases have been used. The public should know what improvements those increases have funded and whether additional increases are truly necessary. If the financial data supports modifying, limiting, or temporarily suspending an automatic increase, I would support considering that option. At the same time, I would not promise to eliminate increases without understanding the financial consequences. My responsibility would be to protect the long-term stability of the water and sewer system while ensuring residents are not asked to pay more than necessary and receive clear value for their money.

How should the city respond to residents' water billing complaints?

Their pick: Add automatic checks that flag large bill jumps

Residents deserve more than being told a water bill is correct simply because a computer or meter produced it. I support creating a clear and consistent dispute process for unusually high bills. The city should review meter readings, compare current and past usage, check for possible leaks or equipment problems, and provide residents with an explanation of the findings. This is especially important as Opelousas continues transitioning to smart meters and residents raise concerns about unexpected increases. If the city or its equipment made an error, customers should receive an appropriate correction or credit. If the usage is accurate but the bill creates a financial hardship, reasonable payment arrangements should be considered. Every resident deserves respectful treatment, timely answers, and transparency. Good government is not simply collecting a payment; it means being able to explain a bill, verify its accuracy, address legitimate concerns, and provide residents with a fair process.

What should the city do about its automated traffic enforcement program?

Their pick: Keep cameras only in school zones

I support enforcing traffic laws and protecting pedestrians, children, and motorists, but automated cameras should never become primarily a source of revenue. Before supporting the continuation or expansion of the current program, I would want a comprehensive public review showing whether cameras have actually reduced speeding, crashes, or dangerous driving. Residents should also know how many citations are issued, how much revenue is collected, how much is paid to the private company, where cameras are located, and how motorists can challenge a citation. Any program must remain fully compliant with Louisiana law and operate with transparency and accountability. If the evidence shows cameras are improving safety in specific areas, I would consider continued use under safeguards and regular review. If the evidence does not demonstrate a meaningful public-safety benefit, I would support ending the program and considering other enforcement methods. Public safety should always be the goal, not generating tickets.

How should the city pay for water, road and drainage upgrades?

Their pick: Seek state and federal money before any tax increase

There is no single funding source that can repair decades of infrastructure needs, and residents should not be expected to carry the full burden through higher taxes or utility bills. I support a long-term capital improvement plan that identifies the most urgent water, sewer, street, and drainage problems, ranks projects by safety and need, and provides realistic costs and timelines. The city should aggressively pursue state and federal grants, low-interest financing, partnerships, and cooperative funding before asking residents for more. For major projects that will benefit the community for decades, responsible long-term financing may be necessary, but the public deserves full transparency about how much is borrowed, how it will be repaid, and what each project will cost. Every district deserves a fair assessment of its infrastructure, and residents should be able to see where their tax and utility dollars are going and when improvements can reasonably be expected locally.

How should the city handle police pay?

Their pick: Study pay and retention first

Our police officers should be compensated at a level that allows Opelousas to recruit qualified officers, retain experienced personnel, and remain competitive with surrounding law-enforcement agencies. At the same time, any pay increases must be financially sustainable and supported by the city’s long-term budget. I would support periodic salary comparisons with similar departments, a clearly defined pay structure that rewards experience and advancement, and incentives for specialized training or difficult assignments when appropriate. I would also examine staffing levels and overtime costs to determine whether additional hiring could reduce excessive overtime and improve department efficiency. Competitive compensation is important because officers carry responsibilities and public-safety demands. As a council member, I would support compensation decisions based on staffing needs, financial data, recruitment and retention challenges, and the city’s ability to sustain those costs over time. Police pay should be fair, competitive, transparent, and fiscally responsible for officers and taxpayers alike.