State funds could help Maurice expand city hall

MAURICE — Municipalities try to take advantage each year of funds made available by the state to push forward with various and often much-needed projects.
Louisiana’s Capital Outlay Program allows municipalities to conduct improvements to utilities and facilities, among other projects. Municipalities have the opportunity to apply each year. The application that must be approved before funds are issued. The city, town or village must also pledge to match 25 percent of the project.
The Village of Maurice has opted to apply in an attempt to improve and expand offices and the meeting room at city hall. Last year, the village applied for Capital Outlay funds totaling $675,000 for renovations. The village would have matched $168,750.
“We’ve submitted that project for the last few years,” Maurice Mayor Wayne Theriot said. “In my five years as mayor we have not received any Capital Outlay funds. We have applied for funds for our
much-needed city hall renovation and are working with our Sen. Jonathan Perry and our Rep. Nancy Landry.”
It is much needed, especially in regards to the meeting room, where monthly board of aldermen meetings and mayor’s court take place. Last Wednesday’s meeting left only standing room for some.
“We have a room full,” Theriot said. “Last week at court we had people standing outside.
“There is a drastic need to expand this room as well as our work area.”
As it currently sits, Maurice’s city hall is designed for a population far less than the number years of growth has created.
“What we have here now is the same makeup when we had 600-something residents,” Theriot said. “Now we have basically 1,500 residents. Not only for meeting and court, but we have people come in to pay utilities and obtain permits.
“We have to accommodate the increase of activity that comes through here.”
The deadline for municipalities to submit applications for the 2016-17 Capital Outlay Program is Oct. 30. The Board of Aldermen voted 3-0 on a resolution during last Wednesday’s meeting to allow Sellers and Associates to conduct the application process.
Theriot stressed that expanding the current city hall is the most reasonable path to having the facility match the current needs of Maurice.
“Our needs are great,” Theriot said. “Short of building a new complex, this is the best option. As you realize, property around here is expensive. I think the best avenue, if we get these funds, is to renovate.
“We will get more bang for our buck.”
Theriot said the village’s architect, Gene Sellers Jr., has a plan in place.
Now, if someone were to provide land, Theriot jokingly said plans could easily change.
“If someone wanted to donate about three acres of property along 167 or 92,” Theriot said, “we would be most appreciative.”
Alderman Lynn Howell agreed.
“Spread the word,” Howell said.
Todd Vincent of Sellers and Associates agreed that would be a terrific option.
“In case that doesn’t happen,” Vincent said, “we will go ahead an submit the application.”