POINTE COUPEE PARISH - The Point Coupee Parish Police Jury agreed to the first round of budget cuts Tuesday after sales tax revenues fell short.

Police jurors agreed to eliminate a position in the utility department and a $40,000 contract with cleaning services, as well as 25% cuts across the board.

The parish was able to avoid closing a Pointe Coupee museum with relics dating back more than 250 years with some help from the city New Roads. The parish and city entered into an inter-governmental agreement for New Roads to fund the operation of the museum for the rest of the year.

News 2 looked into the cause of Pointe Coupee's budget problem on Monday.

"We haven't raised property taxes that would go in the general fund since the 70's, and that there is a problem within itself," Justin Cox, President of the Finance Committee said.

In addition to the steps taken Tuesday night, existing positions are being eliminated through attrition, but those familiar with the budget problem say even more will have to be done. They say a measure to raise property taxes is not an immediate option, which would need voter approval.