LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) - Lafayette Consolidated Government has recently presented its budget for the next fiscal year. The over eight hundred-million-dollar budget highlights many priorities of mayor Monique Blanco Boulet's administration.

"So we were basically presenting a balance budgeting which means our revenues match our expenditures. We have enough, some funding, going to our fund balances to maintain healthy reserves and funding in case of emergencies." LCG'S Chief Administrative Officer Rachel Godeaux said

The budget also ensures the government is running like its supposed to.

"One of the other big things is operational efficiencies and that's something we've done as a government the past year." Godeaux said

Godeaux explained they've done this by consulting and working with a wide range of experts, especially developers, as infrastructure and economic development continue to expand.

"Why and how do we develop better in the core of our community versus in some of the just green spaces that may be in some of the incorporated areas where it's a lot easier to develop there." Godeaux said.

The budget is a way to grow smarter, while considering all the potential impacts.

"Whenever we develop a roadway, such as Johnson and Bertrand, that we're not only looking at the roadway improvements that need to happen but looking at it from a comprehensive prospect where we're also addressing drainage, utility fortification, and pedestrian safety." Godeaux said.

As expansion continues, so will the need for better drainage. For this reason, the budget funds a newly established drainage betterment program. One aspect is making sure drainage keeps up with new development.

"We know that an older neighborhood which is next to a new development has some flood risk issues, how do we partner with that developer to increase that capacity of the drainage at that particularly property and improve what could be held." Godeaux said.

Another key element is a home elevation and buyout program.

“We put aside some funding at the local level to create ease in the process of elevating or buying that home." Godeaux said.

Godeaux added, dedicating local funds to this program is vital in making sure qualifying residents can get the relief the program provides.

"We know that some homes, no matter what we do, whatever type of drainage improvement we try to make, is never going to fix a problem at a single household so part of it is having seed funding to do elevation and buyouts for homes that have severe, repetitive loss," Godeaux said.

Budget hearings, which are open to the public, begin August seventh. Final adoption is in September. LCG advocates for community participation in this process.

"We develop encourage the public to participate in those council hearings so they can be heard. It will only refine the budget." Godeaux said.

The hearings help the budget be amended based on community needs, making sure it’s the best it can be for Lafayette Parish.

"So we are investing in our city so we can be strong and vibrant for the next fifty years to come." Godeaux said.

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