318-941-2493
townofsimmesport@simmesportla.com
At the October 23, 2023 Regular meeting of the Simmesport Town Counsel, the ordinance posted below was passed. This redrew the lines for Simmesport voting districts to comply with federal laws. According to the Voting Rights Act, the lines have to be based on the last US Census. These new districts will only apply to electing the Town Counsel and will not affect where you vote. If you click on the link above you can see the ordinance and the map attached.
Dana Smith
Jalesia Batiste
Sherman Bell
The Town of Simmesport would like to announce the promotion of Jalesia Batiste to Town Clerk, Dana “Big Man” Smith to Superintendent, and Mr. Sherman Bell as Mayor Pro-temp.
Mrs. Jalesia Batiste is a resident of Simmesport, mother of 4, and the spouse of Mr. Steve M. Batiste. She began her employment with the town as the billing clerk in February 2021. In her spare time, she enjoys being a digital content creator by making short skits on TikTok and YouTube. Congratulations Mrs. Batiste on your promotion and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the town of Simmesport.
Mr. Dana “Big Man” Smith Sr., of Lettsworth, LA, is a resident of Simmesport and the spouse of Mrs. Ella Smith. He began his employment with the town working on the road crew in May 2017 and through hard work, he is now the Maintenance Superintendent. Mr. Smith also worked for 20 years for Allen Canning. He is EMS certified and the first African American Fire Chief for the town of Simmesport. Congratulations on your promotion and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the town of Simmesport.
Mr. Sherman Bell Sr. has been chosen as the new Mayor Pro Temp for the Town of Simmesport. Mr. Bell is also a resident of Simmesport and the spouse of Mrs. Beverly Bell. He has been serving on the town council as a member for the last 12 years. He has also worked as a Simmesport police officer for 7 years dating back to 1985. He has retired from Angola after working 33 years as a correctional officer. Mr. Bell is also a bus driver for the Avoyelles Parish School Board, since 2011. He would like to thank the council for choosing him and the mayor for his continued support.
An agreement with the Simmesport VFW for the use of the Town of Simmesport’s building was signed on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. The agreement gives the Simmesport VFW exclusive use of the building for their post for 99 years! Pictured l to r: VFW Post Quartermaster Stephen Johnson, VFW Post Commander Billy Bonnette, Simmesport Mayor Leslie Draper, III, Town Clerk Jalesia Batiste.
The Town of Simmesport received the top honor from the Louisiana Municipal Association for its Crisis and Recovery Plan. Simmesport was selected by the LMA for first place in the Economic Development category among municipalities under 3,000 population for its innovative financial plan to clear over half a million dollars of debt. In cooperation with Sustainability Partners, Simmesport was not only able to install wireless water meters, but also pay off over $612,000 in debt. Some of this debt put the Simmesport in serious jeopardy and well over half if the debts were incurred by previous administrations. Working with the leading-edge and ingenious financing solutions from Sustainability partners, Simmesport was able to eliminate this debt and the financing used to obtain the funds for this does not count as debt on the Town’s finances. Mayor Draper would like to thank the Town Council and the Town Administrative Staff for their hard work and dedication toward the implementation of this plan. Simmesport would also like to thank Sustainability Partners for their help in building this cooperative endeavor and for their commitment to the financial growth and quality of life for the citizens of Simmesport.
“To God be the glory”.
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office is adamant about fighting waste and fraud in government. If you feel fraud is being committed, you can call the number above (844-503-7283) or click on the link below to enter a report online.