Boulet releases his budget message. Read it here. – The Current

We are focused on improving deficiencies in core government services while making budget cuts, creating millions of dollars in savings, addressing workforce issues, prioritizing public safety, and establishing funding for long-term revitalization.

The 2024-2025 budget process emphasizes the need to restore adequate planning, re-establish internal checks and balances, and understand the long-term financial implications of administrative decisions.

Key initiatives in this proposed budget include:

1. Improving basic government services

   As of January, LCG was facing 270 vacancies and pay rates dating back to 2009, limiting the quality of basic government services it could provide.

   The impact of a year-long delay in water main repairs and severe staff shortages among bus drivers, police officers, utility workers, vehicle maintenance workers and general labourers was unsustainable.

   The Boulet administration began prioritizing improvements to essential services while addressing a vacancy rate of over 12% by temporarily outsourcing water main repairs, launching a vehicle leasing program for our fleet of over 1,100 vehicles, marketing to bus drivers and securing long-term funding for our police staffing increases.

   Additionally, the Boulet administration has begun to address a crippling pay scale that has not been adjusted to market standards in more than 15 years.

   The proposed compensation plan stabilizes LCG’s employment base by assessing operational efficiencies, improving service delivery, reducing unnecessary overhead and eliminating excess positions, thereby creating a more competitive workforce and a more efficient government. The salary increases do not apply to the Mayor-President’s Executive Team, Directors and other non-civil service positions.

2. Improving public safety

   Investing in public safety initiatives that strengthen our police and fire services, foster community engagement, and promote safer neighborhoods improves public safety for all.

   Details include the reestablishment of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC) and the critical reorganization of Lafayette Parish emergency management.

   Additionally, the Boulet administration is working to address critical patrol officer shortages by transferring the School Resource Officer program primarily to the Sheriff’s Office and reestablishing the Park Police in partnership with the City Marshal’s Office, allowing the LPD to restore much-needed, healthy levels of proactive patrol throughout the city.

3. Implementation of financial management

   Committing to responsible financial management that preserves taxpayer dollars ensures the long-term sustainability and accountability of our financial practices.

   Areas worth mentioning include uninsured losses estimated at $8.9 million across government and legal costs that have increased by 40% over the past four years. The Boulet administration aims to reduce spending by establishing a realistic budget that reflects financial needs, reducing unnecessary litigation and hiring a safety consultant for training to reduce costly and preventable accidents.

4. Prioritize strategic investments

   Allocating funds to projects that will drive economic growth, create jobs and support local businesses positions Lafayette for a strong recovery and future prosperity. Proposed projects include planning for continued growth in unincorporated areas, revitalizing our gateways and major roadways such as I-49, Johnston Street, University Avenue and Bertrand Drive, while maintaining significant investments in drainage projects and record investments in downtown Lafayette.

5. Investing in quality of life

   Improving green spaces enriches the lives of our residents and attracts quality jobs to the parish. From baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts and protected sidewalks to walking trails, LCG is focused on investing in amenities for our families and strengthening the fabric of our community. Specific projects include continued investment in park expansions and improvements with an emphasis on connectivity, walkability and beautification.