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THE SE
Bay continues to move forward; bonds to help city improvements
BY BETSY GAGNET
Bay St. Louis is moving forward and its leaders are working hard to make sure the infrastructure keeps in step.
Through general obligation and utility bond issues totaling $ 11 million, the city has started extensive improvements to its streets and drainage and sewage disposal systems.
Additionally, construction has been completed on a new senior citizens center and a baseball complex.
“It’s given us something for the old and something for the new,” said Mayor Eddie Favre referring to the new construction.
The street, drainage and sewage improvements will cover all areas of the city and will serve to update aging systems. Engineering work on the drainage is underway and Favre said he expects to begin advertising for bids during the summer.
“We are laying the groundwork for improvements to come within the next two year-period, primarily in the area of drainage,” Favre said. “We are not only taking care of existing needs, but this puts us in a position to accomodate future development when it comes in.”
Despite the amount of the two bond isssues, Favre and the city council have assured residents there will be no increase in taxes. Favre explained the bond money combined with money earmarked for the improvements in the regular operating budget is anticipated to cover the costs of the improvements.
“(The bond money) will put us in a position of addressing the major needs now and not doing them piecemeal over a number of years,” Favre said.
The baseball complex was completed for the 1997 season with approximately 500 children participating in various programs.
The senior citizens center was opened in the spring of 1997 and offers programs to seniors county wide.
Favre said there is a feeling of optimism and satisfaction in the city.
Revenue from Casino Magic continues to be good, according to the mayor, who said the city is still seeing a gradual increase not only over what it has been, but over the city’s projections.
“The bond money will put is in a position of addressing the major needs now and not doing them piecemeal over a number of years. . .1 think people had concerns with casinos.. .1 think overall people are very pleased and happy with what is going on. . ."Bay St. Louis Mayor Eddie Favre