RED RIVER PARISH, La. (March 19, 2026) — The Red River Parish Police Jury convened a special-called meeting Thursday morning to address key issues, including a proposed library project, contract legality, and board governance reforms.

Jurors present included Young, Hillman, Taylor, Davis, Moore, and Brown, with President Tray Murray absent.

The primary agenda item focused on an architect/engineering agreement tied to a proposed 7,000-square-foot library facility intended to house a museum of parish memorabilia. The District Attorney advised the Jury that a contract signed by President Murray on May 7, 2025, lacked legal standing because it lacked a formal vote or a recorded authorization in the meeting minutes.

Emphasizing that the Police Jury must act collectively, the District Attorney stated that no individual member has authority to bind the body without a motion, second, and majority vote. A provision within the contract—referred to as a “seven-day rule”—was identified as a possible means for the architect to recover some incurred costs.

Juror Jessie Davis motioned to invoke the seven-day clause, seconded by William Brown. The motion passed by roll call vote. The District Attorney was directed to notify both the architect and the Library Board of the decision.

Attention then turned to the appointment and structure of the Library Board. The District Attorney clarified that all board appointments must be approved in open meetings and noted recent statutory changes making such positions “at will” under Police Jury authority. Jurors discussed board composition and requested the drafting of a new ordinance requiring representation from each district and establishing term limits. Similar reforms may later be applied to other boards under Jury oversight.

The Jury also approved financial and administrative measures related to a joint construction project with the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office. Members adopted a resolution to establish necessary bank accounts and approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement outlining a 75/25 cost-sharing arrangement and a 15-year commitment for maintenance and utilities. Juror Davis was authorized to approve change orders with no specified monetary limits.

In other business, a purchase agreement from J&V was reviewed by the District Attorney and subsequently approved.

The meeting concluded with a directive that all entities governed by the Police Jury must have representation at meetings beginning April 1, 2026.