The Madison Parish Police Jury approved multiple items and heard updates on infrastructure and youth programs during its Feb. 9 meeting at the Madison Parish Courthouse. All jurors were present for the meeting.
During public comment, Tallulah Interim Mayor Yvonne Lewis addressed ongoing sewer concerns following heavy rainfall. Lewis said residents in an area of Frank Williams’ have reported problems flushing toilets after storms. She said an engineer was scheduled to inspect the area and that the city may seek qualifications from engineering firms to conduct a study. Lewis said the city could return to the jury for assistance, including possible federal funding applications. Williams was present during the discussion.
Jurors unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the Jan. 12 minutes, December financial report, January building report, January garbage and sewer report and payment of outstanding invoices.
In her report, Jury President Jane Sanders presented a resignation letter from Ms. Williams from the Madison Parish Economic and Industrial Development Board. The jury accepted the resignation.
Jurors discussed potential future use of the Old Health Unit building, the former post office, as a centralized data storage hub for parish entities. Officials said they are awaiting results from a Brownfield assessment before moving forward.
The jury unanimously approved a draft agreement under Grant 4611 related to generators and authorized Sanders to sign the contract. Jurors also discussed a pending $100,000 Louisiana Government Assistance Program road grant and the need for support letters from state legislators before the end of the month.
During district reports, a juror reported that a resident on Tala Bena Road has been unable to receive mail due to road conditions. A proposal was made to place gravel from Port Road to improve access and allow mail delivery. Jurors also discussed installing “No Through Traffic” signs on Willow Bayou and East Lake roads after gravel trucks used those routes during a bridge closure. No vote was taken on signage.
Parish Superintendent Clinton Epps told jurors the maintenance department needs to hire additional workers, including at least one employee with a commercial driver’s license.
Under new business, Assisstant Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resource Will Wallace reported that corn and soybean variety trials are scheduled in the parish and that approximately 50 producers attended a recent recertification meeting.
4-H Agent Andrea Jinks reported 94 youth members, nine volunteers and 11 Cloverbuds enrolled this year. She outlined upcoming camps, club activities and the parish Ag Day set for April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Madison High School grounds.
The jury unanimously approved the Madison Parish Tourism Commission’s 2025 annual report and approved the Louisiana compliance questionnaire for audit engagement.
Jurors also approved a cooperative endeavor agreement between the parish and the City of Tallulah regarding property next to the parish library, extending the term from one year to two years.
During public comment, Madison Parish Port Commission Executive Director Kimmeka Sterling encouraged parish leaders to pursue opportunity zone designation to attract investment.
