Lafayette Consolidated President Joey Durel explains there’s enough money for a payback.  The Combined Public Health Fund approved by voters in March – uses Mosquito Abatement and Parish Health Unit tax dollars to help support animal control services. “We get to pay the City of Lafayette back; that’s obviously a win. The people knew when they voted and it’s clear the people are okay with that,” says Durel.

Durel says the re-dedicated tax will collect enough to refund four Lafayette Parish municipalities that paid animal control. LCG Chief Financial Officer Lorrie Toups says each city pays annually through monthly payments. “The City of Carencro, the City of Scott, the City of Youngsville and the City of Duson all contribute. We can refund their money for this year,” adds Toups.

Durel says there will be a Combined Public Health Reserved Fund set aside in case of an emergency. “To give everybody a comfort level, we are going to go ahead and put some money in a reserve account so they know we will always have a little extra money in a savings account,” explains Durel.

Durel says a fund will be created to build a new animal shelter.  That fund he explains will start with $3,000,000.