The Madison Parish Police Jury on Aug. 11 approved the purchase of two dump trucks and agreed to partner with the Port Commission on a grant application for a turning lane on Highway 65.
Jurors voted to buy two leased dump trucks for $82,000 each, citing cost savings over continued leasing. Officials said they would verify warranty details before finalizing the transaction.
The jury also voted to join the Port Commission in applying for a $1.5 million Delta Regional Authority grant to construct a turning lane at the Port Road intersection with Highway 65. The grant will have the parish and the port to share costs and then be reimbursed.
During the meeting, jurors discussed road and drainage issues in various districts, the need to clean vacant lots, and blight concerns. Carolyn Haywood asked about addressing dilapidated buildings and overgrown lots in the Buckner neighborhood, noting safety and visibility concerns for school buses and mail delivery.
The jury reviewed reports on parish finances, investments, and grants. It authorized the president to sign documents for a $100,000 Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development grant for Port Road improvements.
Members declined to pursue a Magnolia Water contract to collect unpaid garbage and sewer bills through water shutoffs, citing high costs compared to potential collections.
Other actions included approving a resolution to move a polling place to Warsaw Baptist Church from the fire station due to no ac or heat and authorizing $4,000 for spraying and clearing vegetation on Brushy Bayou.
The meeting also included a report on the annual conference of parish administrators, updates on equipment needs, and discussion of ongoing maintenance projects.
