by Wesley Harris
The Dubach Town Council voted Monday to formally discontinue the town’s food pantry and approve a litigation settlement, while leaving ballpark rental rates and a proposed mobile home ordinance for future consideration.
The pantry decision followed concerns about liability, food storage, recordkeeping, and the town’s role in operating the program. The council also approved ending further deliveries of supplies for the town pantry.
Mayor Mona Wilson said volunteers associated with the Dubach School classes of 1980, 1981, and 1982 had expressed interest in continuing food assistance. She agreed to contact them about operating independently in their own location.
Remaining food had been boxed for transfer to Christian Community Action in Ruston, although another recipient was suggested during the meeting. No final recipient was established in the council’s discussion.
In other action, the council approved a resolution authorizing settlement of litigation with the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System (MPERS) over disputed police pension obligations. According to the town’s latest audit, MPERS reported Dubach delinquent on $140,672 in contributions in June 2025. The town challenged that assessment in court, and MPERS subsequently sued to hold Dubach responsible for death benefits potentially exceeding $500,000. The dispute involved benefits for the widow of Officer Russell Croxton, who was killed in the line of duty in April 2024.
Wilson said the town’s attorney negotiated an agreement providing for dismissal of the case with no additional payment beyond $586.54 the town previously paid. She said Dubach would continue submitting reports required by law. Council members requested copies of the police chief’s certification affidavit referenced in the settlement documents.
Wilson said the town would continue required reporting under the agreement. Council members requested copies of an affidavit referenced in the settlement documents.
The council received information about a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that could help identify and prioritize water and sewer improvements.
Katina “Tina” Spencer, a USDA Community Programs loan specialist from the Monroe office, explained that a SEARCH grant could provide up to $30,000 for a preliminary engineering report. The report would evaluate the systems, identify possible improvements, and estimate project costs.
SEARCH—Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant—is a federal program providing funding to financially-distressed rural communities to pay for predevelopment feasibility studies, pre-design assistance, and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects.
Spencer said accepting the planning grant would not obligate Dubach to obtain a USDA loan. The report could also support applications to other funding sources.
Wilson reported the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality had recently inspected the town’s sewer ponds and found them in good condition. Some recommendations were made by DEQ but some of needed items had already been ordered. The town is awaiting DEQ’s written report.
The council continued considering rental rates and rules for the town ballpark but adopted no fees. Proposals included different charges for field use, lighting, and the concession stand, along with a requirement for renters to provide liability insurance. Rates and rental conditions are expected to return for consideration at the next meeting.
A proposed mobile home ordinance also remains pending revisions by the town’s attorney. It is expected to be ready for next month’s agenda.
During public comments, residents requested regular police reports and questioned Police Chief Don Dufour’s absence from council meetings. Wilson agreed to relay those concerns. Residents also asked about previous water system expenditures, which Wilson said would require a review of town records.
Council members Mary Billberry, Angela Dunn, Evelyn Graham, Kyle Hennigan, and Monique Roberts were present for the meeting.
