The new First State Bank plans a $2.3 million building and will have 25 full-time jobs. Tuesday, the city of Orange Economic Development Corporation board and the city council approved up to $175,000 to spend on infrastructure for the project.
Damon Vacek, a founder of the new bank, told the EDC board the city’s incentives drew them to build within the city limits.
EDC Director Jay Trahan said the money will be spent on extending sewer lines and a sewer lift station for the site. In addition, the grant will pay for storm drainage and a retention pond.
The new bank site will be off Interstate 10 on the southeast corner with Martin Luther King Drive.
The bank now has a temporary building on MacArthur Drive in Pinehurst.
In other business, the council canceled the June 17 election to replace single-member District 2 councilmember Dr. Wayne Guidry, who resigned last month to move for a new job. Businessman Brad Childs was the only person to file for the seat so the city is allowed to cancel an election.
However, the runoff for the single-member District 3 seat will still be held on June 17. The runoff has Terrie Salter facing Michael Smith.
In addition, the council approved a request from the Orange Municipal Police Association for a “lateral hire pay rate” as part of the union’s employment agreement with the city. The new pay scales will allow a licensed peace officer active with another law agency to be credited with previous years of experience.
Currently, an experienced officer new to the Orange Police Department will start at Grade II for officers with one to three years at the department.
City Manager Dr. Shawn Oubre told the council the change will allow the city to get more experienced officers.
The council approved on final reading a zoning change for five acres of land along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive by Faith United Methodist Church. The zone will change from multi-family residential to commercial special. The change has previously been before the council and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
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