Aysia Torres

The meeting included the adoption of the 2026 millage rates and updates from the LSU AgCenter Extension office. The board approved Change Order #1 for the St. Helena Parish Library project, the payment of an invoice for the DMV project, and a 4-day (10-hour) work week schedule. Additionally, the members discussed the transition to hydraulic 3-point hitch assemblies for improved safety and precision. The board also reviewed financial reports, including budget-to-actual comparisons, authorized payments for outstanding checks, reviewed requisitions, and approved reports regarding employee benefits and fuel usage.

The board approved several financial items, including invoices for the Hano Road Retention Pond, the St. Helena Parish Library, and tourism participation. Special event permits were approved for local horse shows and trail rides, with one approval conditioned upon security requirements. The board authorized applications for Federal Appropriations for road reconstruction and debris management. Additionally, the board approved local government employment participation, training for equipment operators, new staff hires, and travel authorizations for various conferences. Changes to the employee manual regarding hiring processes and background checks were implemented, and the board approved the installation of dash cameras for insurance compliance, repairs for Road District No. 6 equipment, and the reopening of Sand Hill. The E-911 Communication District per diem was increased, and an executive session was held to discuss a matter with legal counsel.

The board discussed a variety of business matters, including the authorization of a public transportation capital assistance agreement and the award of a culvert replacement project contract. Approval was sought for various project invoices related to library renovations, DMV improvements, park building repairs, and electrical upgrades. The board also addressed mandatory road repairs for Charlie Overton Road, personnel changes within the Registrar of Voters office, and a special event permit for an annual crawfish cookoff. Additional topics included building usage inquiries, the approval of financial requisitions and checks, and a discussion of legal and personnel matters in executive session.

The meeting included the presentation of a commemorative plaque and the adoption of a resolution for a hospital service district election. The Jury renewed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and approved a Supplemental Operating Agreement for public transportation. Additionally, the Jury proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month and awarded bids for Tax Assessor and RBM vehicles. A discussion took place regarding the collection of taxes on trail-ride events, and the OEP Director was authorized to advertise RFPs for disaster debris services. Updates were provided on federal funding applications for a storage facility and a water line extension. Finally, the Jury authorized the use of a building for fire department purposes and reviewed various financial requisitions and checks.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge, followed by key discussions and approvals. The Police Jury approved several invoices from PD Consulting, LLC, covering renovations for Charlie Overton Park Building and Sheriff Admin Electrical Upgrades, as well as OMV relocation renovations. Lowest quotes were accepted for an addition to the substation on Highway 440. A resolution was adopted to submit an application for the FY 2025-2026 Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP). An update was provided on the NACo Legislative Conference, detailing discussions on federal legislative priorities, infrastructure funding, and disaster recovery assistance, including meetings with congressional staff regarding grant opportunities. The Jury authorized attendance for department heads at various upcoming conferences and training sessions, although one vote was split. Larry Freeman was reappointed to the Audubon Regional Library board. A Travel Warrant was approved for a Justice of the Peace, and a Special Event Permit Application for an upcoming event was approved. The Jury approved requisitions presented by the Purchasing Agent and authorized checks written since the last regular meeting totaling $281,852.33. Receipt of monthly budget-to-actual comparison and financial reports was acknowledged, and the employees accruable benefits report was approved. The Fuelman report was also approved.