Sulphur, La. — The Sulphur City Council on Nov. 10 approved cooperative endeavor agreements to fund senior‑center improvements and a multi‑part fire‑hydrant replacement program, and heard public questions about how hydrant repairs and mapping will be prioritized.

At a public hearing on Ordinance 84‑25, administration officials said a $50,000 legislative allocation would cover repairs and upgrades including air conditioning, ductwork, ceiling tiles and meal support for senior centers. "We plan to have it all spent by June 30," a staff member told the council when asked about the timetable.

Council also moved forward on Ordinances 85‑25 and 86‑25 to secure state cooperative funding for hydrant replacements. Acting Fire Chief Chris Vice told the council the city originally identified about 65 out‑of‑service hydrants; contractors and crews have replaced at least 16 and the number the city manages is down to the low‑30s for city‑owned hydrants. "We're down below — we're somewhere in the 30 range — that hydrants that actually belong to the city," Vice said.

Members of the public and a local plumbing contractor warned that improper valve operations and lack of backflow prevention devices can damage aging mains and create repeated failures. "If you watch these guys... they're opening and closing valves at a rapid speed and then slamming them shut. It creates a water hammer that's blowing these lines apart," said local plumber Josh Baden during public comment.

Councilmembers asked staff to publish hydrant condition reports and clarified that some hydrants in commercial or unincorporated areas are the responsibility of private owners. Staff said they are pursuing ordinance updates and stronger enforcement tools to require private property owners to repair hydrants that serve their sites.

Provenance: Discussion and vote on senior‑center cooperative agreement (SEG 2924–3076) and fire‑hydrant updates and related public comment (SEG 3107–3360).