Thibodaux Council Approves Nearly $35 Million Budget

THIDBODAUX, La. (AP) — The Thibodaux City Council approved the 2014 city budget, which is up about 22 percent.

The city projects to spend just under $35 million next year for operating expenses, gas purchases, garbage collection, construction projects, debt service and other things.

The budget provides for wastewater system improvements, including sewer lines, and the city's contribution to the widening of Canal Boulevard.

The general fund operating budget, money spent on salaries, recreation programs and such, comes in about $200,000 higher than last year's total. During Tuesday's meeting, Mayor Tommy Eschete clarified that most of the increases are a result of mandated increases to retirement contributions and health care programs.