The monthly meeting of the Red River Parish Police Jury included a visit from the DA, the Sheriff’s office, and District 5 Representative Dennis Bamburg.

District Attorney Julie Jones addressed the members about a possible contract for a cell tower on the Fairgrounds property. She advised the members that the contract was not in the best interest of the parish and petitioned them to reject it. They welcomed the advice and determined there would be no agreement with the company.

Representative Dennis Bamburg accepted Jury President Tray Murray’s invitation to the podium and spoke on the upcoming election Mar 29, 2025, including Constitutional Amendments for Louisiana. He stressed that it is crucial for voters to understand Amendment 2, which contains changes for teacher retirement, teacher pay raises, persons over 65, and lower income tax rates for everyone. He said the wording in the amendment is concise and understandable.

According to the SOS.la.gov website, a “yes” vote means that voters support an amendment to revise Article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana, including revisions to lower the maximum rate of income tax, increase income tax deductions for citizens over sixty-five, provide for a government growth limit, modify operation of certain constitutional funds, provide for property tax exemptions retaining the homestead exemption and exemption for religious organizations, provide a permanent teacher salary increase by requiring a surplus payment to teacher retirement debt, and make other modifications? (Amends Article VII, Sections 1 through 28; Adds Article VII, Sections 29 through 42).

Troy Murray, a representative of the Sheriff’s Office, addressed the police jury members next. Murray’s discussion centered on the proposed new construction of an administrative office building for the Sheriff’s Office and Police Jury. The two entities agreed to cooperate in the January meeting on the proposed project. The Sheriff needed the signed approved minutes from the previous meeting to draft a cooperative endeavor agreement for the project. If agreed upon and signed, this agreement would enable the groundwork to begin. Murray explained that this was the first step in the process. There would need to be a second agreement that establishes the percentages of financial commitment from each party. President Murray explained to the visitors that the building would be directly across the street from the courthouse. He said the Police Jury, 911, and Sheriff’s administration would be housed in the building. The new space would allow for an accessible Police Jury meeting room as well.

In other business, the CVU reported they collected $17,000 in permits and $3,000 in fines.
They also declared a surplus of equipment for sale in the near future.

Jessie Davis expounded on the need to update the personnel policy and bank resolution and award the President, Vice President, and Parish Manager authority to review and make pay adjustments in relation to budget needs and insurance rates.