May 7, 2025, Police Jury Meeting began with Mr. Jesse Davis explaining that President Tray Murray and Vice-President Ben Taylor were at the Legislative Session. Davis presided over the committee meeting and regular meeting.

Visitors to the meeting addressed the jurors first. Cleco representatives followed up on the Cleco Exclusive Franchise Agreement. Davis said that the only change would be to the section on the cost of relocating lines and the distribution facility.

Next was Ellen Clark. She voiced her concerns over the condition of the Pine Belt building. The ceiling has fallen in on her office, and leaks are ruining the files. Davis turned this over to the housing and grounds crew.

Next was Glenn Cogaln from Swyft Fiber. He informed the jurors that work will begin soon on laying internet fiber in rural areas. 

Last was Marie Taylor Babers. She represented the Umbrella Foundation. She announced a Juneteenth celebration at the ballpark on June 21, 2025, and asked for sponsorship and donations.

In the roads item of the agenda, the CVU report noted that truck road permit sales are up significantly. This month’s sales were $67,014. This level of sales has not been collected in several years. Fines for the month were $3,991.

In the new business, they voted to approve the certificate with Capital Area Finance to continue the home buyers’ assistance program. This aids in downpayments and purchasing power for low-income families.

Jared Woodard was appointed to the Northwest La Game and Fish Preserve Commission.

They also adopted a resolution providing for canvassing the returns and results of the special election held on March 29, 2025. The propositions for renewals will be discussed again in next month’s meeting and put on the November ballot.

Davis discussed the budget. He said that sales tax collection is down this quarter and may affect the budget, but he hoped that with more permit sales, there would be an uptick in food and fuel sales.

In old business, Davis told jurors that architects for the new build have been hired. Somdal and associates will oversee the project. He also noted that pipeline work had moved to South Hwy 1, and a new pipeline, perpendicular to the current route, will begin construction.

All other discussions were routine discussions about the ambulance and the airport.