By JIM BUTLER

Parish Sewerage District No. 1 plans to issue up to about $2.3 million in revenue bonds to finance needed improvements.

The bonds, to be sold at private sale through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, would be secured by and payable from income from system operations, but not a charge on other system income and revenues.

The fund, fueled by federal EPA funds, creates environmental mental infrastructure financing sources in all 50 states, which match the federal dollars at 20 percent.

District No. 1, like many parish and county systems formed decades ago to serve customers not served by municipalities, faces issues with aging equipment and facilities and rising costs.

It will hold a hearing September 2 at 3 pm to hear any objections to its proposal. Notice of the plan does not specify whether a rate change will be required.

The district’s past two audit reports indicate the extent of the issues.

In 2022, the district had about $807,000 in revenue and $883,000 in expenses.

In 2023, revenue rose to $899,000 and expenses fell to $873,000.

The audit report for 2024 should be released this month by the Legislative Auditor’s Office.

This year began with some of the district’s 1,600 or so customers disgruntled with a rate increase.