Baldwin Warned About Delinquent Utility Bills

The state legislative auditor says Baldwin's municipal budget was about $240,000 in the red last year, leaving some businesses that deal with the town waiting months for payment.

As of November, the audit released Monday found the small town in St. Mary Parish owed vendors $340,000, and $172,000 of that amount was more than four months past due.

Auditors also found one potential source of revenue — utility payments for gas, water and other municipal services — was not bringing in as much as it could.

More than 200 customers had delinquent accounts totaling $96,111 as of October.

Baldwin Mayor Wayne Breaux told The Advocate Monday that the town's finances have improved somewhat since the auditors visited last year, but he acknowledged there is still work to be done.