The Madison Parish Port Commission met in a regular session on Tuesday, November 10, 2025, at the Madison Parish Port Commission Office. Chairperson Donald Frazier opened the meeting and proceeded with the roll call as listed below:
Commissioners present: Donald Frazier, Robert Charles Brown, Isaiah Ross, David Williams, Curt Collins and Luther Love
Commissioners absent: Latasha Griffin
Other members present: Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer &Asst. Director
Public meetings discussions
Secretary Sterling provided information on the current millage rates and discussed placing the rates on the election roll going forward to the original mills of 3.0.
Commissioner Collins questioned the procedure of the process and the amount received from the current mills. Sterling informed that the increased mills would assist with the operating budget of the Port.
Commissioner Collins questioned the state grant item. Sterling stated that she didn’t modify that item due to additional grants possibly coming in. Sterling explained the increased budget items on the budget. Commissioner Collins questioned the travel increase. Sterling notified the board of her upcoming attendance at a meeting with Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals, and confirmed that the budget increase would cover the associated expenses. Collins asked if the full budget would be used that year; Sterling replied it would not. Commissioner Love questioned the surplus amount overages for the next fiscal year. Sterling stated that the budget covers current line items and the increase is there just in case. Sterling explained the projects from the current budget that may affect the next fiscal year.
Commissioner Collins made a motion to adjourn the public meeting, Commissioner Ross seconded. The motion was approved.
Opened the regular meeting
Upon a motion presented by Commissioner Collins and Commissioners Williams & Ross, the minutes of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, meeting minutes were approved without any corrections required. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Collins questioned the rock payments. Sterling informed the board that payments are monthly.
Commissioner Ross moved to approve the financial reports, with Commissioner Williams seconding; no corrections were needed. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 6
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 1
Sterling read the Millage resolution out loud to its entirety. Commissioner Ross moved to approve the Millage rates, with Commissioner Collins seconding; no corrections were needed. Motion carried unanimously.
Roll Call:
Yeas: 6
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 1
Commissioner Collins questioned if the CPA would review the budget or provide any recommendations. Sterling stated that it would occur during the audit process and if there isn’t evidence of misappropriation of funds then the CPA does not provide information. Commissioner Love questioned if the items are an estimated cost. Sterling stated that is correct. Collins questioned that the income from the rock isn’t added to the budget due to unknown income.
Commissioner Williams and Commissioner Love made a motion to adopt the 2026 FY Budgets
Roll Call:
Yeas: 6
Nays: 0
Abstain: 0
Absent: 1
Secretary Sterling provided information on the tonnage off the river.
Secretary Sterling informed the board of the counteroffer from Cherry Ridge. She questioned the board how they wanted to proceed. The board agreed to counter with Cherry Ridge. Commissioner Collins inquired about the proposed timeline in the event that the offer is accepted.
Sterling provided information from Konecranes and Railcar Co regarding delinquent invoices and status of cranes within the building.
Commissioner Ross made a motion to enter executive session, Commissioner Williams seconded.
Commissioner Ross made a motion to exit executive session, Commissioner Williams seconded to return to regular session.
Public comments: N/A
There being no further business brought before the board; Chairperson Frazier declared the meeting adjourned.
/s/ Kimmeka Sterling, Secretary/Treasurer
/s/ Donald Frazier,
President
Published in the Madison Journal in Tallulah, Louisiana for a total cost of $211.14 on
January 1, 2025
