Leadership transition at the Webster Parish Libraries, upcoming community events, economic development efforts, and concerns over a proposed constitutional amendment highlighted committee reports during the Webster Parish Police Jury’s regular meeting Tuesday, May 5, at the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex.
Juror Bruce Blanton was absent. All agenda items were approved unanimously.
Savannah Jones, director of Webster Parish Libraries, introduced Shelley Masog as her successor. Jones said she will remain in the director’s role through the end of 2026 as the transition takes place.
Masog was named Louisiana State Public Librarian of the Year in 2025 and brings more than 17 years of public library experience, including previous service at the East New Orleans Library, Shreve Memorial Library, and nine years with Webster Parish Libraries.
“I consider it a blessing to have her here in Webster Parish, and I do not think that there is anyone more capable or better to take this role for our parish,” Jones said. “She comes with a lot of management experience and experience at larger libraries. You’re in great hands with Shelley.”
Masog told jurors, “I’m excited to continue the library’s work with the community.”
Jones also announced Discovery Camp registration events scheduled for May 20 in Springhill and May 21 in Minden.
Johnnye Kennon, representing tourism, shared a packed calendar of local activities planned for the week, including the National Day of Prayer and time capsule placement at Jacqueline Park on Thursday at 7:30 AM. Additional Saturday events include the Farmers Market, Shop the Block, Bayou Pots, and barrel racing at Jack Batton Arena.
K’Lanie Gordon, representing the LSU AgCenter and 4-H, reported that 4-H Fun Day will be held Friday at the REC. She also announced that summer camp registration has begun, the Master Gardeners class will start June 19, and Livestock Interest Day is scheduled for Saturday at 9 AM at the fairgrounds.
Dean Baugh, representing North Louisiana Economic Partnership, updated jurors on several ongoing economic development initiatives. He said two sites have been submitted to Louisiana Economic Development for Opportunity Zone consideration.
“I appreciate your letter of support for the South Webster Parish Industrial District that will be listed on the Ready Site, which is the Real Estate Development Industry program,” Baugh said. “That is the nation’s first standardized site readiness program. That will really enhance the site’s marketability.”
Baugh also said Camp Minden has been submitted for requests for proposals and that NLEP is partnering with Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, and area companies to create short-term workforce training opportunities. The Employment Preparedness and Workforce Readiness program will offer a six-week basic course, with electrical readiness training beginning this summer.
Police Jury President Jim Bonsall closed committee reports by speaking individually in opposition to the inventory tax amendment on the May 16 ballot, noting the local revenue generated by the tax supports multiple parish agencies.
“Webster Parish gets $4 million in inventory tax. The school board gets over $2 million, the sheriff gets about $700,000, the tax assessor gets about $300,000, I believe, we get $450,000,” Bonsall said.
He said if that revenue source is eliminated at the state level, local entities would likely need to seek replacement funds through parish taxation.
“This is Jim Bonsall’s opinion, this doesn’t have anything to do with the police jury, Jim Bonsall is asking you to go vote no,” Bonsall said. “I don’t see any way to do without it.”
In other business, jurors approved invoices pending review by Juror Allen Gilbert and adopted minutes from the April 7 Road Committee, Finance Committee, and regular meeting.
The Webster Parish Police Jury meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM. Meetings are livestreamed at www.websterparishla.org.