Zachary Plainsman-Advocate 11-19-2025

Council approves raises for elected officials

BY OLIVIA MCCLURE

Contributing writer

When Zachary’s next mayor, police chief and city council members take office in January 2027, they’ll be in line for higher salaries than what those officials currently earn.

That’s after the City Council approved an ordinance raising elected leaders’ pay for the first time in several years. The decision came after much debate at previous meetings that continued when the council gathered to vote on the measure Nov 10. After the next election, the

Voters turn down proposal to give teacher raises

BY OLIVIA MCCLURE

Contributing writer

Voters on Saturday rejected the Zachary Community School District’s Zachary Forward proposal, which would have reallocated an existing property tax to give local teachers their first substantial pay raise in years. According to election results from the Louisiana secretary of state’s office, 52% of voters said “no” to the tax proposal. A total of 4,441 people cast ballots, a turnout of 24.4%.

The Zachary Forward measure would have given the school system access to money generated by a 24-mill property tax that was created to build new schools in Zachary’s nascent days as an independent district.

With no plans for additional school construction on the horizon, Superintendent Ben Necaise wanted voters’ permission to spend the funds instead on pay raises for teachers and staff, facility maintenance and technology upgrades. Residents’ tax bills would not have changed.

Necaise has said that, if the measure did not pass, he would still find a way to increase employees’ salaries something he believes is long overdue and necessary to keep Zachary competitive with neighboring districts. Speaking to the City Council in September, Necaise said he hoped to boost teachers’ annual salaries by $10,000 raise and support workers by $5,000 Without the tax funds, however, any raises would likely force cuts in other areas. That could mean larger classes, fewer bus stops, more activity fees and deferred building maintenance, Necaise told the council.

“We respect the decision of our voters, and we are grateful for the conversation this initiative inspired,” the district wrote in a statement posted on Facebook late Saturday night. “Our commitment to compensating and retaining high-quality educators will not change, and we will continue to concentrate our efforts on compensation, competitive pay and benefits for our employees as we develop future budgets.”

The results of the Zachary election mirrored a parishwide anti-tax sentiment. Voters also defeated Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ Thrive EBR plan — which, similar to the Zachary item, would have involved renewing three existing millages and shifting a portion of their funds to other parts of the city-parish budget.

mayor will receive a starting annual salary of $110,000 — a $25,000 raise over the current $85,000. The police chief also will see a sizable increase in starting pay, going from $69,000 to $100,000. The ordinance stipulates higher salaries for returning officeholders. A second-

term mayor will be paid $114,000, and a police chief serving a second term will earn $105,000. Council members will earn $15,000 a year, with a jump to $17,000 in a subsequent term They currently start at $10,414. All officials will be eligible for annual increases outlined in the ordinance, which also includes maximum salary caps. The council, however, will not be able to participate in city insurance disappointing a couple of members who had hoped to include that perk. Previous drafts of the

ordinance presented to the council included lower starting salaries. The original version called for setting the mayor’s base pay at $108,200, the police chief at $89,100 and

SALUTE TO VETERANS

ä More photos. PAGE 4G

Despite chilly temperatures, Zachary residents came out on Veterans Day to honor those who served in the military Albert ‘Doc’ Ory was grand marshal of the parade.

common opponent between the teams was Liberty, who the Spartans defeated 38-22 and the Broncos fell to at homecoming

It would appear that momentum was on the side of the Spartans and an upset was in the making

Two years ago, the Broncos and Spartans met in the playoffs, with the Broncos winning 49-28 on the way to the 2023 state championship game But then there is that whole playoff “second season thing” that Coach David Brewerton and staff have spoiled Zachary fans with for the last 10-plus years. The magic returned quickly on the first possession and third play of the game as Jeremy Patton broke for a 48-yard touchdown run. John Varmall’s sack on the Spartans’ first offensive play backed the Spartans to their own 4-yard line and they punted three plays later

The Broncos failed to take advantage of the field position on the second possession and were forced to punt. Christian Cosey’s booming punt pinned the Spartans again inside their own 10 and the defense forced another three and out.

The Broncos third drive started from the Spartans 35-yard line. A 15-yard completion from Michael Kirby to Trikoby Rheems set up a one-yard TD run by Tylek Lewis (14-0) with 2 minutes left in the

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first. The Spartans picked up their initial first down at the end of the first quarter, entered Zachary territory and drove to the goal line before the Broncos defense held firm on three goal-to-go plays and

forced a field goal. Patton responded to the Spartans’ score with a 60-yard run that was called back due to penalty Undaunted, the Broncos offense put together a time-consuming

drive that was only stopped when the Broncos fumbled on the Spartans’ 1-yard line. An ill-fated fake punt by the Spartans from their own 19-yard line gave the Broncos a short field and Patton

found the end zone again on an 11-yard run to close out the first half (21-3). The Broncos defense forced a three-and-out to start the second half and a high punt snap gave the Broncos the ball at the Spartans 9-yard line. Two plays later Lewis found the end zone again from nine yards out (28-3).

Varmall blocked the next Salmen punt, giving the Broncos offense a short field (first and goal from the 1). Patton sealed the deal with a 1-yard run and the game well in hand with 6:34 left in the third.

After Salmen finally found the end zone at the end of the third quarter, the Broncos offense went back to work from their own 48. Lewis’ 20-yard run on thirdand-15 was critical in the drive that culminated in a Lewis 5-yard touchdown run (42-9).

Salmen picked up a score on a 40-yard quarterback scramble to start the fourth quarter The Broncos brought in the reserves for the remainder of the game and picked up a late touchdown by Zane Hollinquest on a 15-yard run to close out a 48-15 Broncos first-round victory

The Broncos will make the short trip to Denham Springs Friday to take on the Yellow Jackets, who they scrimmaged to start the season, in the next round of the playoffs.

Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@ theadvocate.com.

AROUND

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Register

unteer

is

play in the gazebo.

RULES:

1. All dishes must be cooked in a cast-iron pot. No open fires.

2. One 10x10 canopy is allowed per team.

3. Each team must have a fire extinguisher readily available.

4. Cooking teams that chose to sell full-size plates must provide their own plates and utensils (Sampling bowls for judging will be provided.)

5. Dishes must be completed by 11 a.m. For information or questions please email us at downtownlivezachary@ gmail.com.

The schedule, rain or shine, is 5:30 a.m., register and begin; 8:30 a.m., registration ends; 11 a.m., food ready to serve and judging begins; and 12:30 p.m., winner announced.

Nutcracker music at the library

Books & Music celebrates the holiday season with a “Nutcracker Suite” freeze

Council members ap-

At its Oct. 28 meeting, the council discussed a desire for a higher salary for the police chief, citing a large gap in proposed pay for that office and the mayor as well as the city’s fire chief who is appointed McDavid, at the Nov 10 gathering, said he too felt the police chief’s salary should be higher “I’ve been on both sides of the stick, being the police chief and also now the mayor,” he said.

dance, some very jingly bells, and the book “The Boy Who Said Wow” by Tom Boss about a nonverbal boy who goes to a concert and says “Wow!”. Children will engage in hands-on musical and movement activities with teaching artists from the Kids’ Orchestra. All ages and skill levels are welcome. The Kids Orchestra event will be at the Zachary Branch Library at 11 a.m Dec. 6. It is available at other branches. Baker bike giveaway

The city of Baker is holding a bicycle and toy giveaway at 10 a.m Dec. 6, at Baker Municipal Building, 3325 Groom Road Recipients must turn in a registration form to City Hall by Nov 27.

Market at St. John

The annual Mistletoe Market is from 9 a.m to 2 p.m Dec. 13 at St. John the Baptist Activity Center on Lee Street in Zachary Pictures and story time with Santa will be available at 10 a.m

Chase Santa in race

The Zachary Charity League Chasing Santa 5K and half-mile fun run are Dec. 13. Runners who catch Santa win a special prize. The race starts and ends at Zachary High, passing five of the area’s seven schools. Strollers are welcome. Warmup is at 8:15 a.m followed by the national an-

proved the ordinance with three separate motions.

The first two, dealing with pay for the mayor and police chief, were approved unanimously But they split 3-2 when voting on council members’ compensation.

Councilman James Graves took issue with the $15,000 figure his colleagues had

them. The half-mile event starts at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K, a chip timed race, is at 9 a.m.

Cookies and cocoa will be served post-race.

Kids who finish the halfmile run get to choose a toy from Santa’s bag, and ornaments will be given to the 5K finishers.

Visit https://runsignup. com/Race/LA/Zachary/ ZacharyCharityLeagueChasingSanta5K to sign up. Register by Dec. 1 to receive a T-shirt.

The 5K runners are given an hour to finish. Street reopen at 10 a.m. 5K runners may run the half-mile run for no extra fee. Strollers are welcome.

A warmup is at 8:15 a.m. and the national anthem is at 8:25 a.m.

Race proceeds go toward scholarships, teacher grants and Snack Packs for Kids, which provides healthy snacks over the weekend for children who come from food insecure homes.

Baker parade

The Baker Christmas parade, “Home for the Holidays” is at 10 a.m. Dec. 13. Parade participants should register at https://tinyurl. com/4ye6n35v

Library mystery party

Visit the PrideChaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Pride-Port Hudson Road, for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Murder

landed on. Graves, who conducted a salary survey of other Louisiana municipalities, said nearby Baker was paying its council members that amount four to five years ago.

“Do we want to be seventh or eighth on the list?” he said.

Councilman John LeBlanc.

“What I’m getting from you is we’re talking about looking good on a list To me, it makes no difference how high we are on a list. I think $15,000 is a good price.”

“Let me ask you this: What does a list got to do with what we get paid?” responded

Mystery Party at 3 p.m. Dec. 13.

Library holiday music

Madam Dulcimer and Lady Chops will present lively dulcimer and drum holiday music for

“You don’t think we’re better than Baker?” Graves asked.

the whole family Among the many shows are the 10 a.m. show at Baker Branch Library and the 2 p.m. show at Zachary Branch Library on Dec. 22. Registration may be required; Call the specific

“I don’t think that’s a good question to ask,” LeBlanc replied. Graves voted no, and so did Councilwoman Jennifer Landry

“I’m a no because of the insurance,” she said. “I just wanted to see that for future seat holders.”

location directly All children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate. com.

Local Roots

Lane Regional Medical Center patients settle into

Community news report

Nov. 10 marked the day Lane Regional Medical Center patients were officially moved into the hospital’s new four-story patient tower. The event represents the culmination of more than five years of planning, design and construction.

The $90 million expansion and renovation project adds 82,000 square feet of new space and 37,000 square feet of renovated space to the facility

This four-story addition a first for both Lane and Zachary — features modernized operating suites, spacious patient rooms and advanced technology designed to enhance comfort, safety and care quality.

“Moving the first patients into the new space is a milestone in Lane’s journey and underscores its commitment to patient-centered care,” said Chief Executive Officer Frank Corcoran. “This expansion brings the latest technology and design to Zachary and the many surrounding communities we serve. Not only does it create a more streamlined and patient-friendly surgery experience, but it also provides beautiful, spacious rooms that support the comfort and well-being of our patients and their families.”

The patient move-in was the result of months of detailed planning and coordination involving multiple departments across the organization From nursing and clinical teams to information services and plant operations, every department played a role in ensuring the transition went smoothly, a news release said “Patient safety and care were our top priorities throughout every stage of the move,” said Brittany Casey director of Professional Development, who oversaw the logistics of the transition. “We wanted to make sure our patients experienced the same exceptional care before, during, and after the move.” While the new patient tower represents a major step forward, Lane’s transformation is far from over. The next phase of the project includes refurbishment of existing hospital areas, such as the lab and imaging departments, gift shop chapel and cafeteria dining area. Additionally, endoscopy and infusion services will be relocated from a free-standing medical office building to new integrated spaces within the hospital — further enhancing convenience and continuity of care for patients.