PORT ALLEN — An audit is underway to determine how much money the City of Port Allen could lose after a new state law limits what city marshals are allowed to do.

The law prevents marshals' offices in cities with fewer than 40,000 residents from conducting traffic enforcement without city council approval. Port Allen has a population of barely 5,000.

A proposed ordinance that would have given marshals permission to continue writing tickets in Port Allen failed last week without a vote.

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Marshal Sonny Massey's officers will be limited to courthouse duties and will no longer be able to write tickets or conduct other traffic enforcement.

Massey said his office issues about 300-400 tickets every month.

Ahead of the council meeting, councilwoman Charlene Gordon told WBRZ that city and state police, along with the sheriff's office, can handle traffic enforcement.

"Why do we need another agency? Our population is barely 5,000. So, if he's writing 200 and 300 tickets, everybody in Port Allen would eventually have a ticket," Gordon said.

Residents shared similar sentiments at the meeting.

"Right there when you get off the bridge, they're there. Too many tickets. Let the police do their job," one resident said.

Mayor Terecita Pattan is concerned about the financial impact of losing ticket revenue. She said an audit is being conducted of the marshal's office to determine exactly how much money is generated from traffic citations alone.

Although the proposed ordinance failed, it can be reintroduced at a later date.