Denise White

The agenda focuses on several key items including the recognition of the Pitkin Lady Tigers Basketball team as State Champions, review of various committee reports, and the adoption of multiple resolutions. These resolutions involve a Multi-Jurisdictional Agreement with other parishes, a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, an agreement for building inspection services, and a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for a tourism and recreation project. Additionally, the agenda includes memorial resolutions for community members and the authorization of invoice payments.

The key discussion items for this special call meeting included several motions related to finance and audits. These motions covered adopting a resolution to approve an Equipment Lease-Purchase Agreement with Cadence Bank for a new Caterpillar Compact Track Loader and a Log Grapple for specified districts. Other agenda items included accepting Letters of Engagement from Gragson, Casiday & Guillory, LLP for the Annual Financial Audit services (cost not to exceed $45,000.00) and for the Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures audit for 2025 (cost not to exceed $5,000.00). The Jury also planned to approve the annual Certificate to the Legislative Auditor regarding fund expenditure compliance and adopt a resolution approving the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire.

The Vernon Parish Police Jury convened for a regular session, addressing several key issues. Proclamations were adopted for HBCU Awareness Month and Dysautonomia Awareness Month. The jury sat as the Board of Review to hear property assessment complaints, before certifying the property tax assessment for 2025 and issuing Quietus for tax collection. Representatives from Highland Pellets discussed potential economic development, and the public provided input on Carbon Sequestration. The jury voted to rescind Resolutions No. 15 and 33 of 2024 and adopted resolutions supporting industries providing economic development and the CapturePoint Community Investment Fund. Committee reports covered capital properties, finance, personnel, road maintenance, and ways and means. Public hearings were held on proposed ordinances, including those related to impaired driving, solar farms, and speed limits. The jury also waived the PILOT for the Vernon Parish Housing Authority and adopted memorial resolutions for community members.