Citizens of Vidalia, please attend the important Hydro Royalties hearings!

Our town leaders have been instructed by the Louisiana State Bond Commission to call two hearings in order for them to be in compliance with our Hydro-electric Royalties Ordinance. The ordinance states that two hearings must be held each year for the public to have input on the possible use of the funds.

Without having the required meetings and public input, the mayor and board voted to enter our town into a real estate business with their proposal for the Square on Carter Street. The appraisal figures are outrageous and the plans for all the infrastructure will become a huge indebtedness for the town for many, many years. They voted to commit funds generated from the Hydro-electric Station for this project. I do not believe this is in the best interest of the town.

Our utility rates are some of the highest in the area. One of the priorities of the ordinance is rebating royalty money to the utility users to lower their bills. This is spelled out as a priority over any other new projects.

I wish to go on record as being opposed to the town using Hydro funds to purchase and develop this property. If this project is so great, I suggest the Mayor and Aldermen use their personal funds for it or find a developer.

Also some years ago, our mayor was one of the owners of this property.

I ask you to please attend the hearings on Tuesday, and Tuesday, June 9, at 5 p.m. at the Town Hall.

You have an opportunity to voice your opinion on how the Hydro-electric funds will be used. Now is your chance to stop spending which is not in the best interest of our town.

 Corinne Randazzo, Vidalia resident