PLAQUEMINE, La. (BRPROUD) – The buildings that housed Plaquemine City Hall and the Plaquemine Police Station will be closed to the public for an undetermined period of time beginning Wednesday, April 26, local leaders say.
The announcement was made in a Tuesday news release. According to the release, all city departments will still be available by phone and email. This is how employees will continue to assist the public as they begin packing to temporarily relocate to a different building.
City leaders said the move was necessary after a Friday, April 21 report indicated that an inspection of City Hall and the Plaquemine Police Station revealed water damage and mold in both buildings.
Affected employees are expected to complete the move by next week. After that, the city departments will be open to the public at their new locations.
Authorities say office hours will not change. Plaquemine City Hall will remain open Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. And every Friday, City Hall will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
The police station’s relocation details
Starting on Wednesday, the police station will be closed, but the Plaquemine Police Mobile Command Center will be staffed and operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s located at the back of the police station property on Railroad Avenue.
Members of the public who need help can go to the command center in person or call city police at (225) 687-9273.
Other operations of the police department will be moved to the Police Department Training Center at 24505 Ferdinand Street.
City Light and Water relocation details
Officials say the City Light and Water Customer Service Department is one of the most widely used divisions among the general public. It will move to the Utility Office at 58190 W.W. Harleaux Avenue.
Many customers may be used to paying utility bills in person. But this is not necessary. Alternative ways to pay are listed below.
• Mail in payment
• Drop payment into the secure drop box located between City Hall and the parking lot
• Automatic bank draft
• By credit card online
• By debit card or checking account online
To make online payments, visit Plaquemine.org, click “Pay My Bill Online,” and follow the steps provided. Anyone who needs additional help can speak with a customer service representative at (225) 687-3725.
Plaquemine City Court
Plaquemine City Court will relocate to an office at 23716 Railroad Avenue. Anyone who needs to reach the court should do so by calling (225) 687-7236. Officials anticipate that by next week, court proceedings will have successfully moved to the courtrooms on the third floor of the Iberville Parish Courthouse, which is behind City Hall.
Other city departments
The City Clerk’s Office, Human Resources and Finance Departments will all set up new locations in the City Warehouse Building (old Plaquemine Post Office) at 58165 Court Street.
City leaders have yet to decide where Mayor Edwin “Ed” Reeves, Jr.’s office will be. In the meantime, he and his team can be reached by calling (225) 687-3116.
