Overview

• Mayor Tom Arceneaux placed the 18‑month surcharge in his 2026 budget to finance demolitions of unsafe apartments and commercial structures.
• The program is projected to raise $3 million—$2 million in 2026 and $1 million in early 2027—against an estimated $2 million in demolition needs, with funds restricted to large jobs over $50,000.
• The fee would be added to water and sewer bills for all customers, with typical households paying about $1.45 per month at 4,000 gallons or $2.03 at 6,000 gallons.
• City officials say no state or federal grants are available for large‑scale demolition, prompting the local surcharge approach.
• Implementation requires a council vote, with Dec. 9 cited as the date to enable a Jan. 1 start, and the city will explore possible National Guard assistance if a state deployment occurs.