The Police Jury heard another topic of great interest at the December 6 meeting.  This discussion was the possible Economic Development tax deferral for ADA Carbon Solutions. ADA is requesting to have 80% of their taxes excused for a multiyear expansion project. This project, discussed in an earlier edition of the Journal, will potentially bring 70-100 jobs to the area.

Mr. Ardis Almond addressed the members first in opposition to this proposal. He discussed his families’ sustained presence in the parish and said others like this local company pay their fair share of taxes. His colorful anecdotes questioned ADA’s commitment to the parish in the past. He also said that “ADA will continue the expansion without the tax break.”

Keenan Kelly, representing ADA, spoke next. He acknowledged his family ties to the parish and stated that Almond Bros. had been granted tax deferral more than once. Kelly asked for approval of the measure and introduced Mr. Robert Rasmus, CEO of ADA.

Rasmus greeted the group and said he had been CEO for 5 months. He apologized if his company had not been helpful to the parish residents in the past and stated that he would make that change. Rasmus stated that they are only asking for tax abatement for the new monies as they are spent. Taxes on all other aspects of the company will remain in place. He agreed that the company will go forward with expansion phases 1 and 2 without the approval of the tax deferral. He also stated that there would be 5 stages of expansion and that 3-5 would be reassessed as they move forward.

The rest of the discussion was with Louisiana Economic Development, represented by Yancy LeGrand. Many questions were raised about timelines for approval or denial. LED acknowledged that the Sheriff had approved the measure by an absence of response. The Sheriff addressed this and agreed that he did not understand the timeline requirements. Jessie Davis questioned the group repeatedly about when a vote must be taken and when paperwork must be submitted. LED assured members that a final vote and written response are required by December 24, 2023.

The Jury voted to defer the matter to a Special Called Meeting, December 20, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Courthouse.

In other business, the 2024 budget was approved, Police Jury employees were granted a 4% COLA, and Dana Moseley was appointed secondary assistant coroner from Oct. 1, 2023, to September 30, 2025 with Dori Ammons as assistant in Moseley’s absence. Liquor licenses for 2024 were approved for Country Market, Victor’s Kash Korner, Silver Dollar Liquor, Perkins Bar and Grill, Down the Bayou, Armadillo Grill, Food Junction, LLC, and Dollar General (Hall Summit).