All members of the Webster Parish Police Jury were present for its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, May 6, where each agenda item was approved unanimously.
Jurors approved the May 8 invoice payments pending review by Juror Allen Gilbert and adopted the minutes of three April meetings: the Road Committee, Finance Committee, and Regular Meeting.
A Multi-Jurisdictional Consortium Agreement for the Police Jury was approved, as was the call for a public hearing scheduled for June 3 at 10:30 AM. The hearing will address the potential enactment of a local hospital assessment ordinance, as authorized by Louisiana law. Representatives will be present at that meeting to respond to questions from the public.
The jury also adopted Ordinance 1023-002, authorizing the sale of adjudicated property at 113 Jessica Drive in Springhill following a public auction held April 14.
Additionally, Ms. Linda Reed was appointed to the Webster Parish Library Board of Control to fill the position formerly held by Ms. Ethel Smith. Reed’s term will expire December 31, 2028.
Committee reports highlighted recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives. Head Start reported favorable audit results and noted its students are touring the schools they will attend next year. Parent training is also being offered.
The Webster Parish Library system is preparing for its summer Discovery Camp. Construction at the Doyline branch is progressing with sheetrock installation underway. The Springhill branch was recently honored as Chamber Ambassador of the Year.
Sheriff Jason Parker reported that Deputy David Dick has replaced the recently retired David Robinson in animal control. The Sheriff’s Office has purchased the former Sarepta library building, which already includes a substation, and plans to open a full-service office and training center. An existing building in the area will be sold, with the expected financials balancing out.
Angie Chapman, director of Webster Parish 911, shared that hang-up calls continue to rise. To verify the nature of these calls, dispatchers are now sending text messages in addition to deploying law enforcement. Chapman also updated the jury on upcoming requirements for all 911 centers to join ESInet, a nationwide emergency telecommunications network. “They want each 911 center to be its own network and to network with all the parishes around it so that you have this giant network,” Chapman said. She warned the initiative could prove costly due to insufficient infrastructure in many areas.
A general discussion followed regarding the condition of parish roads and the damage caused by heavy trucks. Jurors discussed potential future measures such as imposing weight limits with steep fines and converting some lesser-used roads to gravel until funding becomes available for paving. No specific roads were identified and no action was taken.
The Webster Parish Police Jury meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM in the Courthouse Annex, located at 401 Main Street in Minden. Meetings are open to the public and streamed online at www.websterparishla.org.