The Webster Parish Police Jury convened for its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex. The session began with the unopposed reelection of Jim Bonsall as president and Steve Ramsey as vice president. Jury members Mike Griffith and Latanya Grigsby were absent.
A special guest at the meeting was Cat Cox, a longtime and former member of the police jury. Cox, who will turn 96 on January 9, was recognized for his service and legacy in the community.
All agenda items were approved unanimously. Among the approvals were:
- Resolutions setting signature authority for jury leadership and confirming the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM as the regular meeting time.
- Approval of 2025 and amended 2024 budgets for both the police jury and the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission.
- Financial statements, check registers, and bank reconciliations for November 2024. December 2024 financial reports will be reviewed at the February meeting.
- The jury also approved 2025 beer and video poker license renewals for establishments throughout Webster Parish, canvassed election results confirming the passage of a courthouse 2.78 mill tax and a Council on Aging 1.75 mill tax, and supported funding resolutions for community water enrichment projects for Bistineau and Gilgal Water Systems.
Additional approvals included a funding application for water lines serving a new women’s prison, placement of a “no truck thru traffic” sign on Pistol Thomas Road, and ongoing preparations for inclement winter weather.
During the meeting, Johnnye Kennon of Tourism highlighted the success of the Christmas in Minden Hayride and Tour of Homes, which raised $2,600 for UCAP. She announced the Mardi Gras Parade is scheduled for Feb. 15. K’Lanie Gordon of LSU AgCenter shared that regional shooting sports competitions are forthcoming.
Brian Williams, director of the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, reported that sand and salt trucks are ready ahead of potential winter weather forecasted for Thursday night. Police Chief McIver confirmed similar preparations by local law enforcement.
John Barr, representing Senator John Kennedy’s office, noted Kennedy’s ongoing work interviewing cabinet members and reported that President Joe Biden had signed the Social Security Fairness Act on January 3. Dean Baugh of NLED announced that the South Webster Parish industrial site is close to achieving LED certification.
Resident Pastor Milton McDonald expressed concerns about street maintenance in his district. “The roads are bad; no markings on the road to distinguish one side from the other,” he said. McDonald plans to attend the February Road Committee meeting to seek further discussion.
The Webster Parish Police Jury meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM in the Courthouse Annex at 401 Main Street, Minden. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate.