In its "clean opinion" on the annual audit report, a major milestone was noted by the Baldwin Board of Aldermen.

Earl Bailey of Darnall, Sikes & Frederick CPAs presented the audit at the board’s monthly meeting.

For the first time, the town’s revenues exceeded $2 million, Bailey said.

Total income was at $2,067,093, a $327,227 increase over total revenue in 2000.

Mayor Wayne Breaux attributed the increase mostly to the $400,000 the town received from the parish in royalty road funds. He noted, however, that "this will not be an annual occurrence."

With total expenditures coming in at $1,850,171, the town finished the fiscal year on June 30 with a $275,000 surplus, Bailey said. He added that its finances are in a "very sound condition."

The town also realized an increase in tax collections, almost reaching its four-year best in 1998, Bailey said. Collections were at $607,805 in 2001 while they were at $642,843 in 1998; $586,602 in 1999; and $567,183 in 2000.

Other items noted included a revenue increase in the gas, water and sewer utility fund at $559,218, up from $351,161 in 2000. While the increase was significant, Bailey said, expenditures in the fund also were up at $667,222. Breaux said the increase was mostly the result of high gas prices last year.

"You collected a lot, but it wasn’t enough," Bailey said.

Aldermen voted unanimously to accept the audit on a 4-0 vote. Alderman and Fire Chief Gene St. Germain was away on a trip to New York City with other local firefighters to deliver Sept. 11 funds.

In other business aldermen:

—Approved applying for a $600,000 La. Community Development Block Grant for a community service center. Breaux said the town "stands a decent chance" of winning the award for the 2003 fiscal year. He said the grant would require the town to put up $97,000 for administrative fees, land purchase and kitchen equipment.

—Approved payments in the amounts of $72,811 to Superior Services, $16,358 in bond attorney fees and $3,640 in engineering fees on the water plant project.

—Agreed to do the Rosebud Street drainage project in two phases and accepted plans on the the first phase to reconstruct the sidewalks on the northwest side from Main Street to Bollard.

—Awarded a contract to ELC contractors of Jeanerette which submitted the only bid at $160,032, on the landscape preparation project on Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway in Raintree Village. The contract calls for the project to be complete in 120 work days.

—Adopted an ordinance on the insurance premium tax which changes the verbiage on the current ordinance to conform to state standards.

—Discussed turning Rod Lane into a one-way street due to its narrowness and agreed to speak with residents on the possibility of converting drainage ditches on the street to sub-surface drainage.

—Agreed to provide water and partial sewer service to SAS Construction’s new office building on La. 83 at a cost of $14,700. Breaux noted that the utility extension would be available for future development in that area.

—Sold a 1993 Chevy Caprice police unit to Timothy Mitchell of Morgan City on a bid of $1,225.

—Established Christmas and New Year’s holidays for town employees as Dec. 24 and 25 and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

—Recognized and awarded prizes to the winners of the Christmas Lighting Contest.

—Agreed to allow the Baldwin Mardi Gras Parade Association to hold its parade at 10 a.m. on Feb. 9 and a bucket toss on Jan. 5.

Before adjourning the board discussed curtailing such bucket tosses.

"It’s a cheap way to raise money," Alderwoman Patrice Picard said. She added that organizations "should have to work harder for their money," such as by selling dinners or doing other types of fundraising activities.

Police Chief Gerald Minor added that an organization can raise as much as $1,000 within six hours asking for handouts on the street.