By Marie Brown
The City of Monroe is playing a troubling game as it relates to development throughout the entire city. Because of the age of the infrastructure which consist of roads, bridges, water ,sewer etc. in Monroe, millions of dollars for maintenance have been secured by both current and past administrations. Unfortunately, very little development is happening in Districts 3, 4 and 5 which consist of the majority of the population in the city. In the recent budget hearing, the city council on a 3-2 vote amended Mayor Friday Ellis proposed budget and added over $300,000 including $100,000 to the Southside Economic Development District. Sources say Mayor Ellis will Veto this move by the city council, and if the council cannot override his Veto, his initial budget will go into effect. Ellis had promised $1 million dollars for 25 years to SEDD on the condition that these funds be designated to his projects. The leadership of SEDD refused this offer to tie their hands.
The fiscal year for the City of Monroe begins May 1, 2025. A company called Atakapa from south Louisiana was given a $6 million contract to clean out culverts in the city, thus improving drainage. However, the recent storms came this past week, and flooding was at an all-time high. Many are asking why the huge truck is always sitting in the parking lot at the Public Safety Center.
While West Monroe and Ruston are growing by leaps and bounds, the city of Monroe is dying a slow death. When will the citizens in Districts 3, 4, and 5 see real development consisting of jobs as well as bricks and mortar? It’s past time to stand up and fight for what we deserve. We want to Love where we Live and Live where we Love!
