The drive up window outside the Bogalusa Water Department is tentatively set to reopen on Nov. 1 after a few years out of service.

“The pay window will help out with our handicapped and elderly customers paying their water bills,” Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette said. “We’re happy to be able to provide this service to our customers.
“The line might be a little long for a few days while we’re working out the kinks, but we definitely want to make it more convenient for our customers to pay their water bill in a timely manner.”

To aid in the process, the department is getting a computer installed and is waiting on the technology end to be hooked up to the new program.

Perrette quickly pointed out no additional personnel was added to the city payroll.

“We usually have three people out front, but now we’re going to have two. It’s just a restructuring of the department or re-shifting of personnel,” she said.

Perrette said the window can also be used by the general public.

“We encourage the elderly and the handicapped to use the window,” Perrette said. “Younger people need to be courteous. They can either walk in and be serviced, or use the window. But we ask for them to save the window for our handicapped and elderly customers.”

The water department is located in the annex next to Bogalusa City Hall, at 214 Arkansas Ave.