The Red River Parish Police Jury approved new library board appointments and adopted reduced millage rates during its committee and regular meetings on July 1.

Jurors in attendance were Murray, Young, Hillman, Taylor, Davis, and Moore. Following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, Jury President Tray Murray opened the floor for public comments, but no citizens spoke.

The meeting’s most significant action came with the appointment of the new Red River Parish Library Board. Serving alongside Jury President Murray will be Lillie Moore, Mike Waters, Merritt Cason, Heather Wren, Sharon Jenkins, Kathy McDuffy, and Karen Squires. The Police Jury will establish term lengths for board members in January.

Earlier in the meeting, the Library Board representative reported a strong start to the Summer Reading Program, “Plant a Seed, READ!,” with 59 children attending the opening day. She thanked The Red River Parish Journal for its continued coverage and encouraged residents to follow the library on Facebook and use its online resources.

The Jury also approved the 2026 parish millage rates. The Red River Parish Library millage saw the largest change, decreasing from 8.13 mills to 4.40 mills. Other approved rates include General Alimony, 4.41 mills; Exempted Municipalities, 2.20 mills; Health Unit, 2.42 mills; Police Jury PFMF, 3.63 mills; and Council on Aging, 1.15 mills.

Additional business included approval of a Certificate Agreement with Capital Area Finance to assist first-time homebuyers and designation of the Natchitoches Times as the Police Jury’s Official Journal.

Department reports included an update from the parish ambulance service, which reported increased call volume and expanded weekend staffing, while the Fire Board reported no major changes and that all equipment remains in good operating condition.

The Commercial Vehicle Office reported $42,563 in permit sales and $4,863 in citation revenue. Jurors also approved expenses for members attending the NACO Conference, with Expand Energy assisting with sponsorship costs, and discussed broadband infrastructure planning with Conterra Networks to ensure reliable service for parish facilities and emergency communications before adjourning.

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