It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Longwood in Vidalia, LA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Vidalia, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“These are skilled professions that give wonderful care. Thank you! Special thank you to Patricia”
“Always Best has been amazing in helping me with my father who has Alzheimer's and”
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“I love their caring services and would recommend them to anyone wanting to age in”
“The company is TOP TIER, very flexible with my son’s school hours, always very nice.”
“The company is an amazing company! The staff is wonderful, and the pay is great!”
“Always best care caregivers are very dependable and very hard workers goes above and beyond”
“I've been working with Always Best Care for over a year now, and I can”
“Always best senior care is a great company to work with. I've been working with”
“Always Best Care is a commendable agency specializing in placing reliable caregivers in the homes”
“We have been very pleased with services from Always Best Care. They are awesome! They”
“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home”
“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it”
“Other Always Best Care has allowed my dad and step-mother to stay in their home. These”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July,”
“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude.”
“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”
“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice”
“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14”
“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She”
“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my”
“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care”
“These are skilled professions that give wonderful care. Thank you! Special thank you to Patricia and McKinsey for you attention to detail on multiple occasions!❤️”
“Always Best has been amazing in helping me with my father who has Alzheimer's and he had a stroke so he has limited mobility. They even go the extra mile and I'd like to mention Cynthia and Tracy for their outstanding service! It truly takes a hero to do what you guys do, as this is a very difficult job that requires amazing patience.”
“My family and I love Always Best Care!”
“The workers are nice and knowledgeable of their job. I would recommend the company to others”
“I love their caring services and would recommend them to anyone wanting to age in place. Thank you Always Best Care!”
“The company is TOP TIER, very flexible with my son’s school hours, always very nice. I love them! A HUGE help for me!”
“The company is an amazing company! The staff is wonderful, and the pay is great! I would highly recommend this company.”
“Always best care caregivers are very dependable and very hard workers goes above and beyond for their clients”
“I've been working with Always Best Care for over a year now, and I can honestly say it's been an incredible experience. The support from the office staff is top-notch - they're always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help with any issues that arise. The clients I've worked with have been wonderful, and I appreciate the care and attention the company puts into matching caregivers with clients who are a good fit. I highly recommend Always Best Care to any caregiver looking for a supportive, flexible, and rewarding work environment. Keep up the great work & thanks so much!”
“Always best senior care is a great company to work with. I've been working with Always best for a little over a year now and I absolutely love it. My clients are so sweet The company is very family oriented They don't just care about the clients they also care about the workers. My daddy was in the hospital and ended up passing away the company allowed me to take off so I could be at the hospital with my daddy, and after he passed away they allowed me to be off rest of the week.”
“Always Best Care is a commendable agency specializing in placing reliable caregivers in the homes of elderly patients. Recently, I engaged their services to find a caregiver for my grandmother, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. Cyndi Williams from Always Best Care was instrumental throughout the process. Her dependability and understanding made the entire experience smooth and reassuring. From our initial consultation to the caregiver placement, Cyndi and the staff at Always best Care ensured that my grandmother's needs were prioritized, which greatly eased what could have been a challenging transition. Thanks to Always Best Care, my grandmother is not only well cared for but also genuinely happy with her caregiver. This has brought immense relief and peace of mind to our family, knowing that she is in capable hands. Overall, I highly recommend Always Best Care for their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to providing excellent elderly care services. They have truly made a positive difference in our lives during a time of significant adjustment. Claire Breslow”
“We have been very pleased with services from Always Best Care. They are awesome! They are very thorough, punctual, caring and helpful group. Shout out to Cynthia for going the extra mile to facilitate VA help for my step father. If your loved one is in need for in home care I highly recommend this company.”
“Angela Powell is the best! She wears her scrubs, comes right in my mother’s home and gets busy doing whatever my mother needs her to do. She just takes it upon herself to do things that she sees that needs to be done. Angela has a great disposition. I can tell she loves what she does. Our family absolutely loves and appreciates Angela. Thank you to Always Best Care!!!!!”
“This agency is very caring and professional. If an issue arises they make sure it gets solved.”
“Other Always Best Care has allowed my dad and step-mother to stay in their home. These ladies quickly learned the routine that they like and take very good care of them. The office staff are so helpful and quick to find a replacement sitter if someone calls in sick. I highly recommended this agency for your loved ones”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July, 2022. My husband needs daily care and we have been more than pleased with the caregivers that they have provided. The Staff is so professional and efficient, yet like family at the same time. Their focus is on their patients and the families. They have made my life so much easier. Highly recommend!!”
“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude. I will definitely be using her again when I’m ready to sell. I highly recommend her.”
“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”
“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice and you will never find a better place to work and they are very respectful, understanding and caring bosses. They pair you up with clients that matches your personality. I really love working for this company and how they treat their employees.”
“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14 days. During that time our wonderful caregiver has agreed to be “on-call”. We are so grateful for her and there is no way we could take this trip without the peace of mind that her presence gives me! Thank you ABC for the service that your company provides and for the personal touch that you and your sister provide. Marilyn Get Outlook for iOS”
“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She loves her job because she gets to find the perfect home for her clients. I highly recommend Summer to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”
“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my Mother . I could go to work and know she was in excellent hands Very professional. Came on time. Treated us like family”
“I am a current client of this provider We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care of Monroe. They've been very helpful and the caregiver that we have working for us is fantastic. I would give them a very high recommendation. They started in July and have done exactly what we wanted them to do for our needs, and met those needs.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Concordia Recreation District 3Park Office in Vidalia, LA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Camp Restaurant or visit Emerald Mound, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Vidalia, LA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Vidalia, LA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Vidalia, LA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Memorial service for Everette Elmo Thompson, Jr., 79, of Vidalia, LA will be held at Riverside Baptist Church on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 2:30PM with Bro. Glen Harrigill officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 1PM until service time at 2:30PM.Everette was born on Sunday, January 19, 1947 in Fayette, MS and passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026 in New Orleans. Everette was a hardworking, devoted family man whose life was marked by faith, service, love, and dedication. He proudly served his country i...
Memorial service for Everette Elmo Thompson, Jr., 79, of Vidalia, LA will be held at Riverside Baptist Church on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 2:30PM with Bro. Glen Harrigill officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 1PM until service time at 2:30PM.
Everette was born on Sunday, January 19, 1947 in Fayette, MS and passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026 in New Orleans. Everette was a hardworking, devoted family man whose life was marked by faith, service, love, and dedication. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, carrying that same sense of duty into everything he did. At International Paper, he worked his way up from a cleaner to become an Instrument Electrician, a testament to his strong work ethic and determination.
Everette was a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge, Goldwing Motorcycle Club, and a dedicated HAM Radio Operator. He and his wife faithfully attended Riverside Baptist Church, where his love for God remained at the center of his life.
Above all, Everette was a godly man who treasured his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who loved each of them dearly. But his grandchildren held a special place in his heart—and, truthfully, they had him completely wrapped around their little fingers. His love and legacy will live on through them.
He is reunited with his parents, Everette Elmo Thompson, Sr. and Ruby Lane Perry and brother, Jerry Louis Thompson.
Those left behind to cherish Everette's memory is his wife of 55 years, Rebecca Stokes Thompson; sons, Everette Elmo Thompson, III and Curtis Damon Thompson; daughter, Rosyln Jill Smith & her husband Bud; brother, Horace Thompson & his wife Wanda; sister, Evelyn Beattie & her husband Mike; grandchildren, Lindsey Brooke Thompson, Brandon Tyler Thompson, and Caleb Smith; great-grandson, Brayden Layne Thompson; special friend, Matt Grissom; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.youngsfh.com.
There are no events scheduled.
You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Everette Thompson Jr..
VIDALIA, La. — Two long-awaited projects in the Town of Vidalia are finally seeing boots on the ground.First is the resurfacing of D.A. Biglane Road, which is a heavily traveled route with more traffic expected soon with Syrah Resources’ expansion.Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft announced during Tuesday’s regular Board of Aldermen meeting that the project will begin at full steam starting Monday, Aug. 17.After waiting around years for state or federal grant funding that was never approved, the town approved a $...
VIDALIA, La. — Two long-awaited projects in the Town of Vidalia are finally seeing boots on the ground.
First is the resurfacing of D.A. Biglane Road, which is a heavily traveled route with more traffic expected soon with Syrah Resources’ expansion.
Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft announced during Tuesday’s regular Board of Aldermen meeting that the project will begin at full steam starting Monday, Aug. 17.
After waiting around years for state or federal grant funding that was never approved, the town approved a $3.24 million project to repair and hopefully prevent future erosion issues along the failing industrial route in May.
“We apologize for it taking so long, but next week it should be going down,” Craft said on Tuesday. “I don’t want to hear anyone complaining about having to deal with traffic or going a different way while they get it all repaved.”
In addition, surveying work has begun in the area from Vidalia High School to the Vidalia Market and along Concordia Avenue for new pedestrian sidewalks, giving walkers safer passage going to and from schools.
Craft said the sidewalk project has been years coming and finally “is coming to fruition.”
The sidewalk will connect the front of Vidalia High School to the Vidalia Market shopping center. Concurrently with this sidewalk, more will be built along Concordia Avenue with pedestrian crossings, giving walking access to the elementary schools.
“It’s going to be a $2 million project with about a $250,000 match from the town that I’ll be asking for,” Craft said. “It’s going to be a nice addition.”
In other matters on Tuesday, occupational licenses were approved for Kipp & Jo, a children’s and teens clothing store at 3046 C Carter St., and for an expansion of Southern Dirt and Rentals to allow equipment rental and sales at 1720 Carter St.
The board also approved advertising for bids for a new backhoe for the utility department, replacing a piece of equipment that is now “in the graveyard,” according to department supervisor Cornell Lewis.
The board appointed Hank Marling, owner of a surveying business, to the town’s planning and zoning commission.
“He ought to make a good addition to our planning and zoning commission,” which is down to four members after a few members recently retired, said Mayor Buz Craft.
Marling’s appointment makes five members on the commission now.
A planning and zoning ordinance was introduced Tuesday to regulate charitable raffles according to state law. No action was taken in regard to the ordinance introduced on Tuesday.
VIDALIA, La. — After more than a dozen residents spoke out regarding a proposed data center operation at the former Vidalia Fruit of the Loom site, the Vidalia Board of Aldermen still moved forward with granting an occupational license for the project.In addition, the board voted 4-0 on an option agreement that would allow the company the first right to purchase approximately 208 acres of the surrounding industrial property from the town during a special meeting on Tuesday.Alderman Robert Gardner was the only official abs...
VIDALIA, La. — After more than a dozen residents spoke out regarding a proposed data center operation at the former Vidalia Fruit of the Loom site, the Vidalia Board of Aldermen still moved forward with granting an occupational license for the project.
In addition, the board voted 4-0 on an option agreement that would allow the company the first right to purchase approximately 208 acres of the surrounding industrial property from the town during a special meeting on Tuesday.
Alderman Robert Gardner was the only official absent during Tuesday’s meeting, stating that he was not given a long enough notice about the meeting to arrange his work schedule.
Those present all voted in favor.
The former Fruit of the Loom site, or more recently the former Vidalia Mills denim manufacturing plant, has been owned by creditors to the former Vidalia Mills denim manufacturing company since the business folded under financial strain.
The closing deadline on the sale is Oct. 5, prompting Tuesday’s special-called meeting with short notice.
Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft said the investment group that looks to buy the plant, Fortalis Vidalia LLC, is part of a sister company that is doing “huge” things for the State of Louisiana and not just Vidalia.
Craft said to expect an announcement to come out of Baton Rouge in the coming weeks.
“The company is registered out of Oklahoma and is authorized to do business in Louisiana,” Craft said. “I can’t say too much about their sister company, but there will be a huge announcement next week with their sister company in the State of Louisiana and it’s going to be transformational for the state and for us as well.”
While a data center was not the only option proposed for the site, Craft said it is the strongest contender. Of over 12 residents who spoke out, few openly stated they support the project, including House Rep. C. Travis Johnson of Ferriday.
When it comes to emerging new industries such as AI data centers, “It is incumbent upon us to be strongly educated,” Johnson said, adding Craft is “deeply intelligent” on the topic.
“He’s one of our best small-town mayors in Louisiana,” Johnson said of Craft. “As a representative of 14 municipalities, I know when I am sitting amongst a great mayor who understands the subject matter and is making clear agreements.”
Of data centers specifically, Johnson said, “It can be done properly. ... We’ve got to make strong decisions while protecting our water and our environment. I wholeheartedly support this.”
Of the rest who either spoke out, most expressed fears of loud noise, overuse of Vidalia water and electricity and loss of potential jobs that other industries might've brought.
“I love this city, but I don’t love AI,” one resident said, asking the board whether it was in writing that the project will produce long-term jobs in Vidalia after construction is over.
“At its peak, Fruit of the Loom had 500 employees and the majority were Vidalia residents inside the city limits,” said Sabrina Doré. “As we’re comparing the noise levels, the pollution levels and all of those things to Fruit of the Loom and what that was like when it was here back in the 90s, we also have to look at 50 jobs versus 250 jobs. ... All of the construction jobs are not jobs given to local residents. They’re being pumped in there. Is it a boon for the economy during the building phase? Absolutely. But what happens when the builders leave?”
Instead of going back and forth, Mayor Buz Craft decided to address all of the voiced concerns in one full swoop.
No local incentives were offered
“This company has not asked for any NDA’s or tax breaks,” Craft said. “They haven’t asked for any deals on power or any kind of reduced rate. They haven’t asked us for any money whatsoever.”
Craft said any planned buildouts are 100 percent funded through the industry without any local money from the town.
While it is not in writing, Craft said the initial phase of the project is expected to bring 65 to 70 permanent jobs that would pay $75,000 to $80,000 per year, with another 100 to 150 jobs expected to follow behind.
No strain on the power grid
“We have the power,” Craft said. “We have a substation that we just built in 2019,” to prepare for Syrah Resources’ ramp-up.
“We have 104 megawatts available, and right now we’re only using 22. We have that power available to sell to this company."
Initially, the industry expects a usage of 50 megawatts of the town's power, expected to produce $4.2 million of additional revenue for the town of Vidalia just in utilities, Craft said.
After that, the data center would step up its usage to 150 megawatts, which Craft said would bring an additional $9 million in revenue to the town that could be used to offset utility rates and to make the power even cheaper.
“Your bill (rate-wise) is not going to go up,” because of this, he said.
The town has traditionally paid back utility customers a rebate worth up to 50 percent of their utility costs . Craft said that would not be affected at all.
Separate from the town’s power supply, the data center proposal includes an enclosed natural gas-fired units that will only run if the town's transmission is down, creating a backup power supply for the industry.
Water usage
Craft said the most water that the company is asking for by contract is 50,000 gallons, but their daily usage will likely be between 15,000 to 20,000 gallons.
“That’s what our splashpad uses,” he said. “It’s not going to increase your costs. The only increase we’ve had (to water rates) since I’ve been in office was mandated by the state because we were too cheap. Or else we wouldn’t have gotten $10 million from the state to double our water plant.”
Since the water plant’s expansion, Craft said the town has the capacity to clear 2 million gallons per day, while the entire town currently uses anywhere between 600,000 and 700,000 gallons per day.
Noise emissions
Craft said the town's ordinances will not allow steady noise over 65 decibels, described as the level of normal human conversation or a dishwasher running. Data centers like the one proposed are expected to produce 40 to 60 decibels.
“I live, as the crow flies, roughly a mile away from the plant. I want not only what is best for the town but what is best for the citizens who live close to it,” Craft said.
“When this whole thing unravels, you’re going to be so happy to be a Vidalia citizen. Although I don’t think it’s going to be as transformational as the hydro plant, the people who want to purchase (the Fruit of the Loom property) say it can be, and I’m excited about it.”
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