The Village of Moreauville’s mayor, Beryl Holmes, took to social media recently to address concerns that had come to her attention. The full statement can be read on the Village’s Facebook page; the version presented here has been edited for length.

Public service is a responsibility I have never taken lightly. I believe leadership must be grounded in honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability, and a willingness to listen. When questions or concerns arise, our citizens deserve facts, clear communication, and respectful answer not rumors or incomplete information. I want to address several issues recently discussed in our community and reaffirm my commitment to serving every resident of Moreauville.

Drainage and Flooding

Drainage in parts of Moreauville is not a new issue. It is an ongoing concern that my administration inherited when I took office, and we have continued working to better understand the causes and identify long-term solutions.

Drainage improvements require more than simply clearing a ditch or making a quick repair. We must identify the underlying problems and determine what improvements are necessary, while also finding the funding to complete those improvements.
My administration has previously applied for grant funding to address drainage, (July 2025, $1 million), but the application was not awarded. We did not stop pursuing solutions. In August of 2026, the Village submitted an application to the Delta Regional Authority requesting approximately $1 million for drainage improvements. We are currently awaiting a response.

Our community also recently experienced an extraordinary flooding event, with approximately 29 inches of rain reported over a matter of hours. This was an unprecedented event for our community and affected many families and properties.

We recognize that there is still work to be done regarding drainage, and we will continue identifying problem areas, evaluating possible solutions, and pursuing every reasonable funding opportunity available to the Village.

Water Bills and Water Rates

I have also heard concerns regarding water bills. I take every customer’s concern seriously, and our employees are available to help customers who have questions about their bills.

However, it is important that we provide complete and accurate information. The Village purchases its water from the Avoyelles Water Commission. In 2023, the Avoyelles Water Commission increased the rate it charged the Village for the water we purchase. Because of the economic conditions at that time and the financial pressures facing our residents, the Village did not immediately pass that increase on to customers. Instead, the Village absorbed the additional cost.

In 2024, the Village was required to conduct a water-rate study as part of the process for obtaining funding for an infrastructure improvement grant. That study showed that Moreauville’s water rates were lower than average compared with comparable systems and that our water system was operating at a loss.

As a result, the adjustment to water rates was based on increased costs, the financial condition of the water system, and the need to maintain a sustainable utility system while meeting requirements associated with infrastructure funding. It was not simply a decision to increase customers’ bills.

Some customers have experienced higher bills because of increased water usage or leaks on their property. When a customer receives an unusually high bill, one of the first things that should be checked is whether there is a leak on the customer’s side of the meter. A small leak can result in a significant increase in water usage.

When a customer has a legitimate water leak and the water did not enter the sewer system, the Village can adjust the sewer portion of that customer’s bill accordingly. Customers who receive an unusually high bill are encouraged to contact the Village so the situation can be reviewed.

Our water rates should be evaluated fairly by considering the Village’s actual costs, the financial condition of the water system, the required rate study, and comparisons with surrounding communities not simply by characterizing a bill as “high.”

My commitment is to continue listening to our customers, addressing legitimate concerns, and making sure our utility system remains financially responsible and sustainable.

The issue of late utility payments and service disconnections is also not something that began with my administration. The Village has had policies and procedures in place regarding the payment of utility bills and disconnection of delinquent accounts.

Customers are provided information regarding the payment policy and disconnection procedures on the back of their utility card, and customers have a responsibility to pay their bills in a timely manner.

While the Village must maintain a consistent policy for delinquent accounts, I believe customers deserve a clear reminder or notification before their water service is disconnected. I support reviewing our current procedures to determine whether an additional notification can be provided before disconnection.

My Compensation and Responsibilities

When I first became mayor, I served approximately six years at a salary of $700 per month while carrying out the responsibilities of the office. During that time, I have not only served as mayor, but I have also assumed responsibilities that would traditionally fall under the duties of a city manager, along with significant accounting and financial management responsibilities.

The mayor’s position has required much more than attending monthly council meetings. It has involved managing the day-to-day operations of the Village, responding to emergencies, working with department heads and employees, attending meetings and resource-development meetings, working with state and federal agencies, pursuing grants, overseeing projects, addressing infrastructure issues, and being available when the Village needs assistance.

In August 2024, the Village Council approved an adjustment to the mayor’s compensation. That compensation comes from the Village’s General Fund, not the utility fund.

Regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project

I would like to address some concerns and misinformation circulating regarding the Village of Moreauville’s wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation project.

First, I want our citizens to understand that this project is moving forward, and mobilization began during the summer of 2026.

One of the primary components needed for the rehabilitation, the clarifier, must be custom-manufactured to meet the specifications of our treatment plant. Unfortunately, this essential component is currently on backorder, which has affected the construction timeline.

I also want to clarify that our wastewater treatment plant is not simply being patched up. It is undergoing a complete rehabilitation, along with improvements to our six lift stations.

This is a major infrastructure investment that requires careful planning, engineering, specialized equipment, and coordination.

While I understand that citizens want to see construction progressing, delays involving specialized equipment are sometimes beyond the Village’s control.

My administration has worked diligently to secure the funding necessary to address these long-standing infrastructure needs. Our responsibility is to ensure that the work is completed properly and that our citizens receive a reliable wastewater system that will serve our community for generations to come.

I welcome questions and constructive concerns. However, I encourage everyone to seek accurate information rather than rely on speculation.

Public Records Requests

During my eight years serving as Mayor of the Village of Moreauville, to my knowledge, only two citizens have submitted public records requests to our office.

In one instance, the requested documents were prepared and made available for pickup, as requested; however, the individual never returned to retrieve them. Recently, the second instance, as per my knowledge, the requested information was provided. If you’re not satisfied with the information provided, please contact me personally.

Therefore, the statement that several public records requests have been made is not consistent with our records. I believe in transparency, accountability, and the public’s right to access public records. My administration remains committed to responding to requests in accordance with Louisiana’s Public Records Law.

Moving Moreauville Forward

Over the past eight years, we have worked aggressively to secure outside funding for major infrastructure improvements. We have secured millions of dollars in grants and funding for wastewater, lift stations, roads, water and gas infrastructure, and other improvements that will benefit our community for years to come.

We have continued pursuing opportunities even when applications were not successful. The current $1 million drainage grant application is another example of that commitment.

Government does not always move as quickly as we would like, and not every grant application is awarded. But when an application is denied, we find another opportunity. When a problem arises, we work toward a solution.

I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, but I also recognize that there is still work to be done. We must continue addressing drainage, roads, sidewalks, water and gas infrastructure, blight, public safety, and other needs throughout our Village.

I will continue to lead with Honesty, Integrity, Unity, Transparency, and Progress.

Moreauville’s future belongs to all of us, and moving our Village forward will require continued cooperation, responsible leadership, and a shared commitment to the common good. I ask every citizen to look beyond rumors, campaign statements, and social media discussions and consider the facts, the public record, the projects, the grants, and the work that has actually been accomplished.