‘Income Strategies’ committee adopted by council after debate over citizen appointees

Discon’s proposal to add council appointees rejected in 3-2 vote after concerns about politics, size

Vogeltanz amendment broadens scope to include budget cuts and efficiencies

MANDEVILLE — The Mandeville City Council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 25-39 at its August 14th meeting, creating an Income Strategies Committee to explore new revenue sources and cost-saving measures while advising the council through monthly reports from the mayor.

The council spent much of its discussion debating a proposal by Councilman at Large Scott Discon to restructure the committee’s membership. Discon argued that each council member should appoint a citizen representative, with the mayor also allowed one appointee, saying it would ensure balance and prevent the group from being stacked with one point of view.

“I think this committee needs to be balanced,” Discon said. “It needs to have people with different views. It needs to be well-rounded.”

District II Councilman Kevin Vogeltanz initially voiced some support, noting that “the more brain power and expertise that we can put on the committee, we can’t possibly be hurt by that.” But he also cautioned against losing the existing language that let the mayor appoint individuals with particular skills, suggesting the amendment was better suited as an addition rather than a replacement.

District III Councilwoman Jill Lane strongly opposed the idea, warning that expanding the committee could make it unmanageable. “Anytime you get a big group with big ideas … we need real answers,” she said. Lane worried that too many “armchair accountants” could muddy the process, turning the group into “some political hotbed” rather than a source of solutions.

Discon’s amendment would have expanded the committee’s makeup from four-person study group to 10, or possibly more, with other discussion around voting.

Mayor Clay Madden reminded the council that the panel was designed as a study committee or work group, not a decision-making body. “The committee’s not set up to vote,” he said. “It’s a study committee by intention.”

The mayor came up with the idea for the committee, and will appoint the district and at-large council members. The committee, once formed, can add citizens they deem could be helpful.

Discon’s amendment ultimately failed 3-2, with only Discon and Vogeltanz voting in favor. Councilman at Large Jason Zuckerman and District I Councilwoman Cynthia Strong-Thompson joined Lane in opposition.

Later in the meeting, Vogeltanz offered a separate amendment that broadened the committee’s mission beyond identifying new income streams. His change directs the group to also evaluate budget reductions and efficiencies, ensuring that cost-cutting ideas are considered alongside revenue options. The amendment passed unanimously.

As adopted, the committee will include the mayor (as chair), the finance director, one district council member, one at-large council member, and other members as deemed necessary. It will operate for six months unless extended and must follow Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law.

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