Alexandria, LA (March 29, 2024) — The City of Alexandria made headlines today, March 29, 2024, with the announcement of the departure of the City Utility Director, Michael Marcotte.
Mayor Jacques Roy wasted no time in appointing Marcus Connella as the interim director and director nominee.
According to a press release issued by the city, Marcotte is leaving to pursue opportunities in the private sector. This decision comes after a tumultuous year for the utility department, marked by allegations of employee retaliation, horrible employee morale in the utility department, and the highly publicized failure of Project RESTOR, aimed at addressing billing issues stemming from a major cyber breach in 2022.
Marcotte’s departure has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the timing and circumstances surrounding his exit. However, he is said to be working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for the Alexandria Utility Department (AUS), which plays a pivotal role in funding various city operations.
Stepping into the interim role is Marcus Connella, a seasoned professional engineer with deep roots in the community. Connella brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served in various engineering roles with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) and Procter and Gamble.
Notably, Connella previously held positions within the City of Alexandria, including Assistant City Engineer, Water Superintendent, and Acting Director of Utilities.
Connella’s appointment signals a new chapter for the Alexandria Utility Department, with hopes of restoring stability, integrity, and efficiency to the crucial city service.
As the community watches closely, all eyes will be on Connella as he takes on the challenge of leading the department forward.
