Tourist board members repeat oaths of office

As a result of legislation approved during the recent legislative session introduced by Rep. Jack Moutoucet, the membership of the Acadia Parish Tourism Commission was expanded Thursday, Sept. 10, to include representatives of the parish’s two Chambers of Commerce and members-at-large.
Treasurer Paul Broussard administered the oaths to Fran Bihm of the Rayne Chamber and Amy Thibodeaux of the Crowley Chamber. Also accepted as full voting members were Kelly Hundley and Bart Wild, who are serving three-year terms representing the parish’s tourism business.
The recent legislative action was taken after Commission officials discovered the original legislative authority was invested in only the members who were appointed by the parish’s municipalities and thus permitted to cast votes.
In other business, Treasurer Paul Broussard reported the Commission realized a 28 percent increase in revenues during it’s three-month hiatus.
Executive Director Gwen Hanks reported since the board members last met in the spring, three new businesses, the Lodge in Tee Mamou, Fort America Campgrounds on Abby-Duson Road and Bon Temps ATV Park, were added to those required to pay a four percent hotel occupancy tax.
In other action, commissioners ratified a new contract with GIBSONPC, acted on the executive committtee, to update the parish tourism website.
A contract was also approved to have a contractor replace water damaged walls in the public restrooms at an estimated cost of $5,000.