The Webster Parish Police Jury held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 1, with all members present and all agenda items approved unanimously.
A public hearing was held to receive comments regarding the 2025 local hospital assessment payments under the Webster Parish Local Healthcare Provider Participation Program. The assessment determines funding levels and usage of revenue from local hospital payments as authorized by state law. Jury President Jim Bonsall asked multiple times during both the initial announcement and final approval phase if anyone present had questions or concerns, but no public questions were asked. The jury proceeded to adopt the resolution and assessment plan for 2025.
In other business, the jury approved the payment of invoices pending review by Juror Steve Ramsey on Wednesday, July 9, and adopted the minutes from the June 3 Road Committee Meeting, Finance Committee Meeting, and Regular Meeting.
The jury also approved the reappointment of Denise Miller to the Evergreen Fire Protection District Board for a two-year term ending December 31, 2027.
During committee reports, Savannah Jones, director of Webster Parish Libraries, reported that Discovery Camp 2025 concluded with 152 participants reading five or more books. One participant read 205 books in a single month. Invitation-only completion events will be held July 10 in Minden and July 11 in Springhill.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver reported that efforts are underway to install license plate readers at all nine exits of the city to aid in criminal investigations. He also shared that the department is working in collaboration with Claiborne Parish to develop a violent gang task force.
The Webster Parish Police Jury meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM in the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex, located at 401 Main Street in Minden. The public is welcome to attend.