Center Bottom : Mayor Hilda Diagre Curry
Left: Bryan Gautreaux-Director of Community Developement, Winston Copell-Building Official, Jane Braud-Director of Planning, Marketing & Main Street Program, Tim Vice-Compliance Officer, Elmire Brennan-City Clerk, Rober Feller-Chief of Police, Amie Varnado-City Treasurer, Ronnie Bourque-Fire Chief, Tony Miguez-Director of Park and Recreations, James Russell-Director of Public Works & Cynthia Tobey-Babineaux-Tax Collector
On January 1st, a new administration began directing the course of the City of New Iberia. Mayor Hilda Curry brought a new vision to City Hall that included a re-structuring of the city's administration and the creation of a Blue Ribbon Commission to study the most pressing needs and concerns of the city and recommend courses of action.
"There are many opportunities for us to pursue to make New Iberia a more vibrant city for all of us," Mayor Curry explains. "I'm delighted to have so many talented individuals serve on my Blue Ribbon Commission. I will use this information to design a strategic plan for the next 4 years."
Presently, the Mayor and her staff are actively pursuing a resolution to the federal suit against the City regarding the waste water violations. Mayor Curry explains, "I am optimistic that we can work out a solution that will remove a significant amount of these fines and penalties." Another early success is that the City has been able to obtain a grant to complete sidewalks, install lighting and beautify several blocks of Hopkins Street. "I am now trying to secure additional funds to do even more work there," she said.
Wardell Gerhart is serving as Chairperson of the Blue Ribbon Commission with Audrey Ausberry serving as Vice-Chairperson. The Group is directing their attention in twelve key areas: streets and drainage, waste water, law enforcement, annexation, consolidation of parish and city services, charter revision, revitalization of West End, Civic Center, City beautification, youth and elderly, recreation, and tax and bonding capacity of the City.
With such an ambitious agenda, the Commission has decided to divide into sub-committees and study these issues. Each sub-committee will research the isses and create solutions that will be presented to the City Council and the administration's Department heads for final action.
City administration has taken on a new look under the new Mayor's leadership. "My goal is to streamline the process of government to accomplish more work and provide more services to the people without unnecessary red tape," she explained. The Mayor is also committed to seeking ways to improve services to developers, businesses and residents. The City's Code of Ordinances, zoning maps, applications and forms are now available for download on the City's website. The City's administration now includes 10 Directors.
"I know that the team I have chosen to lead our staff of dedicated city employees will provide a new level of service for all the people of our City," the Mayor said.
