The Madison Parish Police Jury voted to oppose a proposed state bill affecting regional economic development, approved a summer youth work program and addressed drainage, garbage service and infrastructure issues during its April 13 meeting.
The jury voted to oppose House Bill 116, which would expand the Northeast Multimodal District and create a regional economic development structure involving multiple parishes. Police Juror Jerry Hicks mentioned concerns that the proposal could shift control and revenue away from Madison Parish and the port.
“When I read this thing, what I see is Madison Parish is going to lose all the way around,” Hicks said.
Kimmeka Sterling, Executive Director for the Port Commission, urged the jury to withdraw prior support and take a position against the bill, citing potential impacts on the parish port and rail operations.
“This is going to be really bad for our port,” Sterling said.
The jury approved a motion to oppose the bill and authorized Parish President Jane Sanders to communicate that position to state officials ahead of legislative consideration.
Jurors approved continuation of the parish summer youth employment program. The program is expected to begin in June, with applications opening in May.
The program assigns youth workers across districts for seasonal work.
The jury also approved moving forward with an environmental survey of the former post office building as part of a brownfields grant process. The survey will identify locations of asbestos, lead paint and other materials prior to any redevelopment.
“There are some indications of arsenic and lead paint in the building,” said Tallulah Interim Mayor Yvonne Lewis. She said said a grant will cover the cost of the survey.
In other business, the jury authorized an engineer to seek bids for repairs to the interior of the courthouse building damaged by rain and for the flagpole replacement project.
Jurors also discussed issues with garbage collection service after a resident reported problems with pickup and communication with the contractor. The parish contract allows for unlimited residential waste collection. Sanders said she would contact the garbage service about their issue.
Additional discussion included road maintenance, mowing, equipment needs and staffing. The parish reported wanting to hire several workers for maintenance roles, including truck drivers and laborers.
The jury also addressed a proposed RV park project on U.S. Highway 65 South. Sanders said the developer must obtain approval from the state fire marshal before returning to the jury for further action.
