The Evangeline Parish Police Jury held a special meeting Wednesday evening in the Courthouse to address the recent email announcement by Evangeline Parish Sheriff, Eddie Soileau, that his department is “officially broke” as of the 19^th of August.  Monday morning, the Sheriff began what he called “massive lay-offs” and since then the Sheriff’s Office has laid off 14 employees and the department employees remaining are taking a reduction in pay. 

Employees of the Sheriff’s Office, Ville Platte Police Department, other Evangeline Parish Key Officials, residents of the Parish and the media were in attendance at the special meeting.  Police Jury President, Ryan Ardoin, opened the floor to questions from all of them after they discussed the situation together.  There was much concern and discussion of the lack of deputies that will now be on patrol within the Parish, especially at night.

 It was also stated by the Jury President,  that a copy of the Budget from the Sheriff’s Office was requested so they could review the funds coming into the Sheriff’s office and where the funds were spent.  Police Jury Secretary/Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, stated after their request, they were sent a copy of a 2015 Budget which was reviewed by an unnamed source, according to Bergeron, who said it was an “unrealistic and unworkable budget.  It was not an accurate budget.”  . 

The Police Jury is in a unique situation, as it does not control the Sheriff’s Office and is only mandated by the State to fund certain things for it (example: offices, furniture, equipment, and keeping and feeding those in the Parish Jail.  Bergeron stated they either pay those bills directly or submit reimbursements for those expenses.  Juror, Bryan Vidrine, explained that the Jury does not have a surplus that they can just give to the Sheriff.

President Ryan Ardoin, addressed deputies in the audience and said they will be happy to sit down with the Sheriff, look at the numbers and see what can be done.  When KVPI News asked If Ardoin had spoken to Soileau personally, he responded “No, and I don’t think he will take my call.”  The Sheriff was not in attendance at the meeting and many people questioned why he chose not to attend.  Darin Bordelon who ran against the Sheriff in the last election spoke to the Jury and said “This mismanagement has been going on for years and if you look at audit reports you will see.  It’s all just coming to a head now.” 

KVPI News has left a message for Sheriff Eddie Soileau to issue a statement about the meeting. He has not contacted us back.