Brent Kennimer

The agenda for the regular meeting included the election of officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer) and discussion of new business, such as the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory 2025 Amended and 2026 Proposed Budgets. Several resolutions were addressed, including the relocation of polling places for Precincts 03-02 and 03-06 from Greenwood Club House to Vienna Town Hall, and appointments to the Waterworks District No. 2, Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, and Lincoln Parish Fire Protection District No. 1. The meeting also addressed budget reports and other business.

The Public Works Committee meeting involved several key actions and reviews. The committee reviewed and subsequently approved the proposed Capital Improvement Program for the years 2026 through 2028. Authorization was granted to advertise for bids concerning LCDBG Make-A-Difference projects. Bids were awarded for gasoline and diesel fuel to Suncoast Resources, LLC. Further actions included approving bids for delivered gravel materials (Ruston Rock It) and picked-up gravel materials (Granite Mountain Quarries), awarding the bid for maintenance Hot Mix to Amethyst Construction, and awarding the proposal for landfill tipping fees to Union Parish Police Jury (primary) and Waste Connections (secondary). Consideration of new generator installation bids was tabled pending review by legal counsel.

The meeting included agenda approval and public comments. Key business involved committee reports: the Public Safety and Emergency Committee approved the joint purchase and distribution of portable defibrillators using opioid settlement funds. The Public Works Committee approved the Capital Improvement Program for 2026-2028, authorized bid advertisement for LCDBG Make-A-Difference projects, and awarded bids for gasoline/diesel fuel, gravel materials, and landfill tipping fees, while deferring action on generator installation bids pending legal review. A Public Hearing was held regarding the proposed 2026 budgets for Humanitarian Enterprises of Lincoln Parish and the Police Jury itself, where one public comment was made concerning animal control funding. Several resolutions were adopted, including amendments to the 2025 budgets for Humanitarian Enterprises and the Police Jury, and the adoption of the 2026 budget for Humanitarian Enterprises. Additionally, the 2026 Police Jury budget was adopted, and a resolution was passed deleting the Cedar Creek Road over Colvin Creek drainage structure from the Federal Off-System Bridge Program. The Jury also authorized an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Lincoln Parish Coroner, set the 2026 meeting schedule, recognized a retiring Park Director for his 29 years of service, and made several re-appointments to the Library Board of Control and the Greater Ward One Waterworks District. A budget report was presented, followed by other reports and an adjournment.

The Public Safety and Emergency Services Committee met to discuss and take action regarding the purchase of portable defibrillators utilizing opioid settlement funding. The Parish Administrator explained that settlement funds are allocated for approved abatement strategies. Following discussion, the Committee moved to cooperate with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office to jointly fund and distribute Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units to first responders and public works personnel using these Opioid Settlement Funds.

The Insurance Committee convened to discuss property, general liability, and automobile insurance renewals for the year 2026. Proposed renewal coverages were reviewed, noting an expected increase in rates due to previous claims and stricter underwriting standards. Additionally, the committee considered Group Health Insurance options, recommending a switch of carriers from United Healthcare to Blue Cross/Blue Shield for both active employees and retirees, while maintaining ancillary coverages with current providers.