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Later this year, the existing electrical contract for Abbeville is set to expire.
Initial negotiations about re-signing with the current provider, Constellation, would have resulted in a 45% increase for the contract, a move city officials did not entertain.
During its last meeting of 2023, the Abbeville City Council moved toward a provider that presented a more manageable offer. The council voted to adopt a resolution authorizing Mayor Roslyn White to execute all necessary documents to proceed with Louisiana Energy & Power Authority (LEPA) as the power provider for the city.
“Our existing contract is coming to an expiration in May of 2024,” White said during the meeting on Dec. 19. “The original quote provided by our existing supplier was at a 45% increase with more risk.
“That was not acceptable.”
The city issued a request for proposals for a new supplier last August.
“We didn’t receive a lot of quotes,” White said, “because the market is very volatile right now.”
Three potential providers did show interest, including LEPA.
“After a lot of talks, conversations and negotiations,” White said, “it is my recommendation that we transition to LEPA.”
Created by the State Legislature in 1979, LEPA is a joint agency of Louisiana cities and towns, each maintaining its own independent municipal power system. According to LEPA, it works with its member communities to provide stable sources of electricity at the lowest possible cost.
“I think it is going to be a better fit for us,” White said. “The 19 municipalities in LEPA all own their own (electrical) system. We will be one of the member communities, and we would purchase power together, kind of like a co-op.”
On June 1, LEPA will begin to provide power to the city.
“If we were to buy power from LEPA this month,” White said at the meeting, “it would be at 9% over the current contract. That’s $9 for every $100 that homeowner has (on the bill). Through this process, we have basically reduced a 45% to a 9% increase.
“It’s the best that we could do in the market.”
White added that the city will work to do what’s best for its residents.
“We’re going have to do a lot of work to insulate our customers and try to provide some buffers in case of any fluctuation,” White said, “but this is the best option that we can get right now in this market.”
Councilman Francis Touchet Jr., who has served on the council since 2002 and took part in the negotiations on the previous contract with Constellation, said the current reality is what the market will dictate.
“I have prided ourselves that Abbeville was the city with the cheapest electricity,” Touchet said. “I will tell you that we had a sweet deal 12 years ago. That sweet deal is no longer here. We will have to communicate to the public constantly. The market is going to be what dictates what is going to happen with electricity. For the past 12 years, that wasn’t the case because we knew more of the variables that were there than we will now know.”
Touchet echoed the mayor, saying the city had reviewed every available option.
“We have looked at this,” Touchet said, “and I will tell you, we have no other choice.
“LEPA is providing us with the best deal.”
Through continued negotiations, Constellation did provide a counteroffer that would amount to a 19% increase.
“That was only for a one-year extension,” White said.
Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., who served on the electrical committee, thanked LEPA General Manager Kevin Bihm and Assistant General Manager David Bergeron, who attended the meeting.
“It was a pleasure to work with you,” Broussard said. “It was a pleasure to hear the commitment you have for the city of Abbeville. This is the best our citizens and businesses can get at this time. We’re happy to give them that, with your proposal.”
More steps need to be taken, including approval by LEPA’s board as well as other paperwork. June 1 is Abbeville’s scheduled start with LEPA. Councilman Carlton Campbell asked if the headline would read, “Utility bills will be increasing.” White said that there is a chance that may not be the case.
“With LEPA, there is a chance it could decrease,” White said. “You don’t know until you go live with the contract.
“It just depends on where the market is right before we transition on June 1.”

May 29, 1923 ~ January 3, 2024

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Marie Greene Richard, 100, who died Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at her residence. She will be laid to rest at St. Anne Cemetery - Youngsville with Fr. François Sainte-Marie officiating the services.
She is survived by her son, Russell W. Richard (Gwendolyn); two grandchildren, Rory J. Richard (Taryn), and Amanda L. Summers; and five great grandchildren, Taylor Richard, Dillon Richard, Devon Richard, Kennedy Summers, and Layne Summers.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Alvin Richard; parents, Russell Greene and the former Eugenie Abshire; one daughter; one son; and several siblings.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Monday, January 8, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. when the procession will depart for the church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

January 27, 1928 ~ January 2, 2024

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Wanda Bouligny Luquette, 95, who died Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Abbeville General Hospital. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Reverend Nicholas DuPre' officiating the services. Those serving as pallbearers will be Billy Lewis, Brandon Luquette, Stephen Lee, Jonathan Luquette, Neil Prejean, and Zachary Boroughs. Honorary pallbearers will be Brent Luquette, Ed Lewis, and Joshua Boroughs.
Wanda Marie Bouligny Luquette was born in Grosse Isle, La. on January 27, 1928.  She was preceded in death by her parents Blondine Ledet Bouligny and Frank Anthony Bouligny; brother, Daniel Joseph Bouligny; and her beloved husband of 70 years, Irby Joseph Luquette.
Irby and Wanda met at school and began their life together in 1947 in Grosse Isle, La. before settling into Abbeville, La. where they lived the rest of their lives together.  In their 70 years together, they raised 6 children, Ronnie, Cynthia, Karen, Gary, Anne, and Mary.  The family was raised in a modest upbringing, however Wanda ensured they always had everything they needed.
Wanda was blessed with an amazing and very large family who loved her dearly.  Her oldest, Ronnie, is married to Kate and they have 2 children; Brandon and Brent and live in Houston.  Cynthia, the oldest daughter, is married to Harris and they have 3 children; Billy, Ed and Amanda and live in Abbeville.  Karen is married to Barney, and they have 3 children; Andrea, Erin and Neil and live in Abbeville.  Gary is married to Brenda and have 3 children; Rachel, Jonathan and Leah and live in Montgomery, Tx.  Anne has 3 children: Stephen, Angela and Camille and lives in Abbeville.  Mary is married to David, and they have 2 children; Zachary and Joshua and they live in Houston.  From these 6 children, she has been blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even 1 great-great-grandchild.
She had a strong faith in God and received the Holy Eucharist weekly from Beverly Broussard.  She was faithful in daily praying the rosary.  
Wanda’s hobbies were working in her yard and cooking.  She had a passion for pulling weeds and raking leaves.  She spent many years working in retail and loved interacting with customers. 
Wanda will be fondly remembered by her family for being accepting, her wonderful cooking and sharing of that passion through sharing recipes and cooking for us every Sunday, being so welcoming of her children's spouses, accepting of everyone as they are and her passion for life, caring and service of others.  She cared for and welcomed all her children’s friends, sharing her love and cooking with all of them as well.  She had such deep relationships with her children, grand (and great-grand) children and her friends.  She never went any place where she didn't know someone and stopped to ask about how they and their families were doing.  She will be deeply missed by her family, her and her children’s friends.
She always put others' needs ahead of her own and until the day she died, she continued to pursue peace and harmony in the family and to ensure we always had food to eat (there were always pretzels, orange slices, chocolate, and muffins on her countertop and even a cup of Café Francais).  We think she believed that showing us how much she loved us through her actions and selfless behaviors, acceptance, and words, that we would be a much stronger and loving family. We all knew that her love and caring was unconditional, and she served as such a strong role model for all her family and friends.
Wanda was blessed with a long life and was 25 days short of 96 years old when she died.  She was surrounded by family when she died.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary being prayed at 12:15 p.m.
The family would like to thank those that helped care for Wanda up until her last day. Special thanks to Brandy for loving and caring for our mother like she was her own.  Thanks to Cathy, Beatriz, Connie, Enola, and Natalie for your special touch and ensuring Wanda and her children had peace of mind over Wanda’s last few years.  Thank you to Sister Janet LeBlanc and Lee Anna Hebert for being Wanda’s cherished friends.  Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take great comfort in her strong relationship with our Lord and Savior. We know she is in God’s faithful hands now.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

Wilma Rae
Bourque Landry

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Wilma Rae Bourque Landry at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milton. Wilma entered eternal rest, peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on, Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the age of 90.
The family requests that visitation be observed on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will continue Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 8 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 7 p.m. in Martin & Castille’s SOUTHSIDE Location.
Entombment will be held in St. Joseph Mausoleum.
Reverend William Schambough, Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, will serve as Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and Reverend Louis J. Richard, Pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, will Con-Celebrate the Mass and Lay Minister will be Sister Carmelita Latiolais.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Khaki Toups and husband Robby of Canton, TX, Lisa Broussard and husband Toby of Milton, and Rachelle Rue of Bastrop, TX; her son, Robert D. Landry and wife Dawn of Monroe. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Leah Toups of Canton, TX; Lindsey Sarangoulis (Chris) of Catonsville, MD; Mark Toups of Austin, TX; Miles Rue, Franklin, TX; Kelsey Rue, Bastrop, TX; Mason Broussard (Emily), Youngsville; Griffin Broussard, Greenville, SC; Cole Landry and Jackson Landry, Baton Rouge and five great grandchildren William Robley, Catherine Rae and Anna Grace Sarangoulis, Landry Faye Marie White, Camille Louise Broussard, Cheznee Jean Rue, her bonus great-grandchild, Conlee Kay Evans and special family friend Willie Mae Walker; Sisters-in-law Frances Landry, Audrey Carroll (Johnny), and Elaine Larcade-Bourque; brother-in-law, Larry Landry and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rae was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert Herman “Tully” Landry; her parents, Regina Girouard Bourque and Llewellyn L. Bourque, her only brother Russell L. Bourque, her father in-law and mother in-law, J.V. Landry, Sr. and Edia Prejean Landry; in-laws, Lula Guilbeau, Dot Collins (Tommy), Mary Lou (Buttercup), J.V. “Umbe” Landry (Luby), Aston Ray “Naunchie” Landry (Myrtis). Three nephews Michael Landry, Glen Guilbeau, and Keith Collins, and two nieces, Mary “Cookie” Sanner, and Alyssa Boudreaux.
Wilma Rae, a native of Milton, graduated from Milton High School and earned a degree from SLI in Home Economics. She began her career as a Home Ec Teacher at Church Point High School, taught at Youngsville High School, Milton High School and completed her teaching career at Ovey Comeaux High School.
She had a passion for preparation and presentation of foods which led to her catering business of twenty-five years. Also, she was passionate about collectables, home décor, antiques and flower gardening. She enjoyed a challenging crossword puzzle, a competitive game of Scrabble and craft projects for family and friends.
She was a member of Le Papilion Theresians; St. Joseph Ladies’ Altar Society; Acadiana Women; and enjoyed monthly luncheons with Comeaux High School Retired Teachers.
Wilma was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She cherished her faith, always beginning her day by attending Daily Mass in Milton or watching a live stream on her laptop and in constant prayer for her family.
Wilma, affectionately known as “Mom”, “MaMa”, “Nan Rae”, “Aunt Rae”, “Mrs. Landry”, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She fulfilled her assignment from God by setting an example for her family through her wisdom, prayers and her actions.
Upholding the honor of pallbearers will be Mark Toups, Miles Rue, Mason Broussard, Griffin Broussard, Cole Landry, Jackson Landry, SGM Christopher Sarangoulis, and Dr. Mitchell Bourque. Honorary Pallbearers will be Toby Broussard, Robby Toups, and Scott Bourque.
Liturgical readings by Leah Toups, Lindsey Sarangoulis, and Kelsey Rue. Musical Selections for the service will be sung by Karen Broussard,”J’irai la Voir un Jour”, “Ave Maria”, “Pie Jesu” and “Amazing Grace”. Giftbearers will be her great-grandchildren, Will, Cate, Anna, Camille, Landry, Cheznee and Conlee.
The family wishes to extend gratitude to Donna Bodin, Lisa Chargois, Ann Perro and Willie Mae Walker for their compassionate care given to our mother in her time of need. Also, a very special thanks to family and close friends, Claudette Cason, Camille Claiborne, Edith Guidroz, Sister Carm Latiolais, Christine and Mike Shauberger and Mom’s Theresian Sisters.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Wilma Rae Landry’s name to Hospice of Acadiana, https://hospiceacadiana.com or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Milton, LA.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com.
Martin & Castille - SOUTHSIDE, 600 E. Farrel Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, 337-984-2811.