Costs, for controlling mosquito’s in the parish have skyrocketed, surpassing the $924,000 in millage budgeted annually and forcing the parish to dig into the general fund to make up the difference.
The parish’s contract for Mosquito Control services expired last year, requiring the contract to be advertised for public bids.
“Unfortunately, the low bid (and only bid) was over 100% higher than the prior contract,” said Albert Laque.
Under the new contract, mosquito control is now costing the parish $1.2 million, $276,000 more than the millage pays for.
“Mosquito Control has become a critical public service, especially since the West Nile virus has reached our area,” said Laque. “If we can save just one life or keep one person from being critically ill with this program, it is certainly worth the cost.”
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