Rapides Parish

The committee reviewed the Tier II Facility Report for the reporting year, noting the number of facilities reporting within the parish. Discussions included recent hazardous material incidents and a weather briefing from the National Weather Service covering upcoming hurricane season predictions, drought conditions, and recent tornado activity. Additionally, the committee received a presentation on a medical countermeasure exercise, discussed 2026 activity planning, including ammonia pipeline mitigation, and future tabletop drill exercises.

The meeting focused on the review and adoption of a compensation study final report by SSA Consultants, including the implementation of the Evaluation of the Rapides Parish Civil Service Employee Plan and the Market Minimum with Longevity Plan, with salary adjustments not to exceed 20%. Additionally, the board approved several position name changes for various departments and granted approval for a property request for five additional lots at 1380 Palmer Chapel Road, Pineville, LA.

The meeting included recognitions for the Glenmora Baseball Team and the Alexandria Senior High School Track Team for state championship victories. Key agenda items included levying millages, various appointments to waterworks, library, and gas utility districts, and authorizing fire district equipment purchases. The jury discussed property condemnations and cleanup requests, addressed speed limit adjustments, and approved intergovernmental service agreements. Additionally, the jury handled personnel pay increases, finalized the selection of an official journal, approved lease renewals for polling places, reviewed EMS reports, and initiated the issuance of limited tax bonds for fire protection districts. Procurement actions included awarding contracts for substance abuse testing and leasing public works vehicles.

The meeting included a presentation and the acceptance of a compensation study final report for Rapides Parish Civil Service employees. The board awarded a contract for the purchase of three used dump trucks to United Rentals and a contract for a 2024 F550 Mini Pumper for Rapides Parish Fire District No. 6 to BFA Fire & Rescue of LA. Additionally, the board received a recommendation for the Public Works Director position and adopted a resolution to authorize the allocation of funds for street improvement costs related to Gunter Road and Barron Chapel Road.

The committee meeting covered a wide range of administrative and operational topics across multiple departments. Key agenda items included the Treasurer's report and the adoption of 2026 millages, approval of property sales, authorization for road improvements and asphalt overlays, and initiation of property condemnation processes. Discussions also addressed rural transportation grant designations, opposition to state workforce board legislation, updates on courthouse and coliseum facility projects, salary increases for volunteer fire department personnel, and ambulance service reporting. Additionally, the committee reviewed various procurement requests for equipment, including fire department tools and machinery.