OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — St. Landry Parish Government announced significant operational cuts totaling approximately $375,000 in response to escalating mandated expenses.

According to officials, the cuts are designed to ensure that essential expenses, particularly those related to inmate housing, juvenile services, and disaster relief, are adequately funded. 

“These cuts, while difficult, are necessary to manage the financial realities we are facing,” said Jessie Bellard, St. Landry Parish President.  “It is crucial that we prioritize our mandated expenses to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”

The parish government said various employment adjustments will be made, including the reassignment of staff and a shift to part-time work.  

Bellard shared how some positions were consolidated and will not replace personnel who have left. He will reassign the duties of the public information officer and have one of the parish investigator positions be eliminated.

Bellard assures the community that essential investigative services will continue, with oversight and support from his office, to maintain service levels while reducing costs. 

“Due to the rising costs associated with housing inmates and juveniles and uncertainty in how FEMA may respond to natural disasters, we are facing new challenges with funding,”Bellard said. “We are watching the restructuring of FEMA closely. We are hearing that disaster reimbursements from FEMA may be decreased from 90% to 50%, contingent on the nature of the declaration. We must adapt to these changes and plan our budget accordingly.”

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