The Madison Parish Police Jury met Nov. 10 at the parish courthouse, where jurors approved routine reports, discussed parish road needs, reviewed staffing shortages, and delayed action on a cooperative endeavor agreement involving tax-adjudicated property for library use.
Jurors amended the agenda to add an item related to asphalt equipment. They then approved the Oct. 27 minutes, the October building report, the financial statements, the October garbage and sewer report, and the outstanding invoice report.
A juror questioned two Golden Motors repair charges, noting that one repair involved a clutch cable that the parish mechanic should have been able to perform. The superintendent said the mechanic was capable of doing the work and that the labor billed by the vendor exceeded the cost of the part.
President Jane Sanders reported that the cooperative endeavor agreement with the City of Tallulah for the parking lot project near the library would be tabled until the next meeting. She said the parish attorney would request changes to extend the project completion timeline from one year to two.
Secretary-Treasurer Margarett Dew reported that Gov. Jeff Landry set Nov. 28–29 and Dec. 24–26 as state holidays. The jury voted to adopt the dates.
Dew said the courthouse elevator remains inoperable. She presented a draft letter to Schindler addressing delay. The jury authorized the president to sign the letter.
Juror Jerry Hicks reported on the Rural Stability Meeting in Vidalia, where presenters discussed potential solar, wind, and industrial projects in northeast Louisiana. Juror Johnny Hughes said the meeting focused on cooperation among local governments, workforce training needs, and conditions that influence business investment.
Registrar of Voters Demitrus Brown-Whitney submitted a request for Lottie Williams to work 32 hours weekly from Dec. 3 through June 30.
The jury approved a contract with Tamesha Sims to provide four hours per month of mental health services at the jail at a rate of $125 per hour. The new contract replaces the previous provider who died.
The superintendent reported the loss of three employees and said the department cannot complete all assigned tasks on expected timelines. Jurors discussed gravel needs, drainage issues, illegal dumping near the sewer plant, and grass cutting concerns in several areas.
Under old business, jurors reviewed engineering scoring documents for the Madison Generator Project and agreed to place the award of the engineering contract on the next agenda.
In new business, Dew said some public works material bids were not received and others had been misplaced and later located. The jury voted to re-advertise all material specifications for 2026.
A presentation was given on asphalt zippers used to grind and stabilize road surfaces. The police jury may be interested in purchasing one.
No accidents were reported. The meeting concluded after final comments from jurors.
