OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) - The St. Landry Parish Council has voted to introduce a proposed ordinance creating a parish-wide library system. However, all but two council members said they wanted the districts they represent excluded from the ordinance.
None of the council members who voted to have their districts “opt out” of the ordinance introduction explained their reasons for doing so.
Only council members Dexter Brown and Wayne Ardoin said they wanted to include their districts as part of the ordinance introduction.
None of the council members who voted to have their districts “opt out” of the ordinance introduction explained their reasons for doing so. Council member Ronald Bushel abstained and offered no explanation for his abstention.
The chairman of the St. Landry Parish Library Coalition, Bruce Gaudin, told The Advocate (https://bit.ly/1oVA2dl ) he was disappointed many of the council members were excluding parish residents from voting for a parish-wide library system if the issue is ever placed on a ballot.
Gaudin said he isn’t sure at this point about the future of the parish-wide library system matter.
At a previous council meeting, Gaudin said St. Landry is the only parish in the state without a parish-wide library system.
Gaudin told the council prior to the vote if a parish-wide property tax proposition passes to fund the library system, it would generate about $3 million annually.
Parish President Bill Fontenot, a member of the Library Coalition, asked the council to approve the introduction even though it might have objections.
Fontenot said St. Landry Parish has a high illiteracy race and its residents have paid the price for not having a parish-wide library system.
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Information from: The Advocate, https://theadvocate.com
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