The Red River Parish Police Jury convened for its regular meeting on April 1, with Jurors Young, Taylor, Davis, Moore, Murray, and Brown present.

Following the opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, Karen Squires, Regent of the Coushatta Chute Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), addressed the panel regarding upcoming plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Squires outlined several proposals, including raising a commemorative flag, planting a tree at the new administrative building, and placing an America 250 plaque in front of the courthouse. She also suggested a public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the courthouse steps on July 8. Police Jury President Murray appointed the Building and Grounds Committee to collaborate with the DAR on these initiatives.

District Attorney Jones then presented updates on the reconstruction of the Library Board and revisions to the parish’s library ordinance, along with developments concerning the J&V land purchase. Jones provided a revised ordinance for review and answered jurors’ questions. She confirmed that the land appraisal process had been completed without issue, though the full deed remained under review. Juror Davis inquired about potential displacement concerns tied to the sale, to which Jones responded that the seller had not expressed any such concerns.

During the public comment portion, Virginia Webb, representing the Library Board, voiced support for the ordinance’s inclusion of district representation. However, she questioned the necessity of a four-year contract requirement for the Library Director or Head Librarian. Jones clarified that the provision aligns with state statute and cannot be modified.

In other business, Pelican Broadband introduced its role in the GUMBO 2.0 program, a federally funded initiative under the BEAD program that aims to expand high-speed internet access in rural communities. The company announced plans to install fiber infrastructure across six sections of the parish, with construction expected to begin in June. Additional details on service areas will be released in the coming months.

Preparations are also underway for the parish-wide trash pickup scheduled for April 25. Juror Ben Taylor reported that outreach efforts are ongoing, with communities such as Coushatta, Martin, and Springville already confirmed. Participants will gather at the fairgrounds at 8:00 a.m. before dispersing to designated areas, followed by a communal lunch.

The parish’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit reported monthly permit revenues totaling $37,842.42, along with $8,950.00 collected from 20 citations.

In formal actions, the Police Jury voted to publish the proposed library ordinance in the official journal for three weeks before bringing it to a final vote. Discussion regarding the potential purchase or rental of a tractor was referred to committee for further evaluation. The jury also approved payment of parish and ambulance service bills and accepted the appraisal for the J&V land purchase, authorizing movement toward closing.

President Murray additionally reminded jurors to complete their campaign financial statements ahead of the filing deadline and requested that all sub-entities provide monthly reports during Police Jury meetings.

The meeting concluded with a request from Chianti Price and Brandt Bordelon to set up a sidewalk display offering Bible literature and outreach. The pair emphasized that participation would be voluntary, with no solicitation of donations. Murray thanked them and referred the request to the Community Action Committee for consideration.

The meeting adjourned following the discussion.