The administration of Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet has presented a balanced $803.7 million 2025-26 operating and capital budget for council and public review.
Balancing the budget, which covers the fiscal year from Nov. 1, 2025, through Oct. 31, 2026, presented challenges because $85 million in COVID-19 relief funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 has been spent or obligated and no longer available.
The budget, an increase over the 2024-25 budget, was presented to the City and Parish Councils on Tuesday and is available online at https://www.lafayettela.gov/finance-management/lcg-budget-documents/proposed-budget.
Both the city and parish general funds are budgeted to maintain a savings of at least 20% of operating costs recommended for emergencies. The city has historically maintained a healthy balance. The parish general fund struggled to do so until 2024.
In the proposed 2025-26 budget, the parish general fund has a $4.8 million balance. The city general fund’s balance is budgeted at $58.2 million.
Speaking Tuesday on behalf of an absent Boulet, CAO Rachel Godeaux said public infrastructure, including drainage, is a significant priority in the proposed budget.
Specific revitalization projects, Boulet wrote in the budget document, include the University Corridor, Louisiana Avenue Extension, Bertrand Drive, Johnston Street infrastructure improvements and the Interstate 49 Connector.
“These projects, in addition to strategic utility and fiber expansions, will improve traffic flow, enhance drainage and gateways, and increase connectivity across our region,” Boulet wrote.
The proposed budget includes funds for “micro transit services” to be deployed in strategic areas of the city, Boulet wrote, “providing flexible, on-demand transportation that shortens wait times and increases overall system efficiency.”
New positions will be added to LCG, including an economic developer dedicated to Lafayette Utilities System.
That individual, Boulet wrote, will focus on “strategic growth initiatives, balancing investment opportunities in both infill and greenfield areas and better aligning infrastructure with community development goals.”
To streamline and lower legal costs, Boulet intends to hire an in-house paralegal to handle routine legal matters.
She also plans to increase internal staff in the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture department and reduce the dependency on contract services, “leading to more consistent service delivery and long-term cost savings.”
The city will be investing in special vehicles for the fire department to handle medical calls, Chief Financial Officer Karent Fontenot wrote, since about 40% of all fire department calls contain a medical component.
The new vehicles are expected to reduce the strain on the fire department’s trucks.
Drainage maintenance and improvements make up about 15% of the capital funding in the proposed budget, Fontenot wrote.
The budget, she wrote, contains $500,000 in seed funding to buy out or help homeowners elevate homes that have suffered repetitive flooding.
Capital funding is included for improving aging infrastructure like roads and public buildings, including nearby drainage, electrical system and pedestrian and bike safety.
Key projects funded in the proposed budget include: Johnston Street, University Avenue, Bertrand Drive, City Hall repairs and renovations, improvements to existing walking paths and planning for future paths, modernization of the Heymann Performing Arts Center, Carmel Drive sidewalks, Pinhook Road turn lane and maintaining the Lafayette Parish Jail to functional standards.
The councils will hold a series of special meetings to review the budget and a final public hearing on Aug. 19. Adoption is scheduled for Sept 11.