The Webster Parish Police Jury received a clean financial audit and heard a presentation on the growing number of working families struggling to make ends meet during its regular meeting Tuesday, August 4, at the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex.
Juror Mike Griffith was absent. All agenda items requiring action were approved unanimously.
Jennie Henry, CPA with Allen, Green & Williamson, presented the Webster Parish Police Jury’s 2025 financial audit, describing it as an “unmodified opinion,” the highest level of assurance an auditor can provide.
Henry reported a net increase of approximately $3.5 million and noted that the police jury and Webster Parish Libraries remain free of long-term debt.
“The police jury, including the library, has no long-term debt at this time,” Henry said.
She also reported that the audit contained no federal or financial findings.
“There were no findings for federal; there were no findings for financial,” Henry said. “Everybody should be very proud of the work the accounting department and library have put in.”
Calling the report a strong reflection of the parish’s financial management, she added, “It’s a great audit. You should be proud of your staff.”
The jury unanimously approved the audit.
Following the audit presentation, Tori Thomas, president of United Way of Northwest Louisiana, presented findings from the organization’s ALICE report, which examines households that earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities.
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
“The ALICE population are those who make just above poverty in our state,” Thomas said.
She explained that while the federal poverty level for a family of four is approximately $31,000 annually, a household earning $40,000 often faces many of the same financial hardships without qualifying for assistance programs such as SNAP, housing assistance, or child care subsidies.
“We talk about the ALICE population because, oftentimes, there are no resources available to them,” Thomas said.
According to the report, about 25% of Webster Parish residents live below the poverty line, while another 37% fall into the ALICE category.
Thomas said Louisiana has the highest percentage of ALICE households in the nation, with Northwest Louisiana having the state’s highest concentration.
“Northwest Louisiana has the highest population of ALICE,” she said. “That means people are working, but they’re making low wages and their wages are not keeping up with inflation.”
Among surrounding parishes, she said Webster Parish ranks second only to Caddo Parish in the percentage of residents living below financial stability.
“It is very important that United Way of Northwest Louisiana does its part to bring more resources and more services to people in this parish, particularly those who are ALICE,” Thomas said.
She said the organization focuses its efforts on improving health, expanding opportunities for youth, and helping families achieve financial stability.
“We want to help with health, youth opportunity, and also make sure that each person is financially secure and stable,” Thomas said. “Our goal is to make sure that everyone in our community thrives.”
Thomas also highlighted several services offered by United Way of Northwest Louisiana, including participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library literacy program, classroom resources for teachers, the 211 information and referral hotline, free financial counseling and coaching, and prescription discount services.
She encouraged community members to become involved as partners, advocates, board members, and volunteers to help expand services throughout Webster Parish.
In other business, jurors approved payment of invoices pending review by Juror LaTanya Grigsby, adopted minutes from the July 7 committee meetings and regular meeting, and appointed Sue Addington to the Webster Parish Library Board of Control. Addington will fill the unexpired term previously held by Linda Watson, which expires Dec. 31, 2029.
The Webster Parish Police Jury meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM at the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex. Meetings are livestreamed at www.websterparishla.org, and the public is encouraged to attend.