Brian Blankenship

The Special Meeting addressed several financial and administrative matters. The Sheriff's Office provided clarification regarding millage distribution between the Sheriff's Office and the Police Jury budget projections. Following an executive session, the jury approved the immediate termination of several employees based on Personnel Manual violations, alongside approving temporary payment arrangements for remaining salaried employees. Key financial discussions involved budget constraints necessitating cutback measures in the General Fund, including examining operations in "maintenance" or "cut back" modes, and potentially discontinuing grant seeking that requires matching funds. Decisions were made to discontinue/reduce fee reductions for new rentals at the Community Center and Agricultural Complex, grant the School Board twelve annual free event usage days, and implement a process for pursuing occupational licenses from non-compliant businesses. Furthermore, the jury approved re-allocating 1.5 mills from the Library Millage and 1/8 of the 1% Sales Tax Fund to address Inmate Needs/Expenditures within the General Fund. The meeting concluded with the approval of a deviation to allow the President to sign a right-of-way agreement concerning property modification for the Road Overlay Program.

The committee meetings addressed numerous financial allocations for drainage maintenance across various canals and ditches, including Plattenville Retention Pond, Marais Outfall Canal, Cancienne Canal (South Side only), Bertrandville Drainage Outfall Canal, Highway 996 Outfall Ditch, Oak Lane Levee System, Rue Verte Levee System, Gerald Crochet Levee System, Oakridge Levee System, and the Cross LaRue/Day Springs/River Bend Ditch maintenance. Personnel matters included approving additional FMLA leave for an Equipment Operator III/Drainage Estimator and a Custodian, approving FMLA leave for the Secretary-Treasurer, and approving the end of the probationary period for the 911 Administrative Assistant/Field Worker. The Personnel Manual was amended to reflect the name change of the Louisiana Department of Labor to LouisianaWorks, and approval was given to allow the Parish Manager to sign public works contracts for single source vendors not exceeding $30,000. The Road and Bridge Committee discussed the 2025 Road Overlay Program evaluations and received an update on the Bayou Drive Lift Bridge repairs. The Finance Committee approved bills and scheduled a special meeting to discuss budget cut recommendations, including potential fund reallocations for the library. The Federal Programs Committee approved applying for a $156,000 CWEF grant for waterlines and pump improvements and selected Highway 1003 for the 'Love the Boot' campaign. The Insurance Committee discussed Workers' Compensation policy requirements and authorized a no-cost sample evaluation from Salus Facilities Assurance on the Community Center. The Solid Waste Committee discussed upcoming contract expirations. The Engineering/Grants Committee provided updates on several drainage projects (Jolimar Street, Belle Rose Lane, Cancienne Canal, Bayou St. Vincent), approved engineering authorization for the Pierre Part/Belle River Ring Levees structure, approved a contract amendment with Infinity Engineering for the Parish-Wide Sewer Plant Improvements Project, authorized a change order for the Courthouse Sewer Project, approved the construction contract for the Grant Park Restroom and Pavilion Building, and approved a hardship variance for 105 Tyler St. The Regular Meeting incorporated all committee recommendations, approved a Proclamation declaring March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, reviewed updates on the Labadieville Ball Park, and approved several Occupational License Applications and Temporary Liquor Licenses.

The meetings covered a range of topics, including updates on drainage projects, financial matters such as bill payments and travel expenses, personnel matters including FMLA leave and new hires, road and bridge maintenance, and various engineering and grant-related projects. Specific actions included approving contracts, bids, and agreements, as well as discussing and approving measures related to public health, safety, and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, there were discussions on community events, property matters, and ordinance adoptions.

The meetings covered a range of topics including drainage projects, financial matters, road improvements, insurance renewals, personnel issues, economic development, and grant applications. Key actions included approving contracts, surveys, and project funding, as well as addressing community concerns and setting trick-or-treat hours. The Vanguard Renewables project was paused, and various infrastructure improvements and repairs were discussed and approved.

The meetings included updates and approvals for various projects and resolutions. Key topics included drainage projects, personnel matters, financial approvals, road and bridge updates, engineering and grant applications, and discussions on community concerns such as ditch maintenance, trash cleanup, and the Vanguard Renewables project. Resolutions were adopted for items such as sewer system funding, Delta Regional Authority funding, and courthouse renovations.