Union Parish

The board meeting covered several key administrative and operational topics, including the approval of 2026 tax millages and the adoption of a resolution ratifying amendments to a special election proposition for public roads and bridges. The meeting included a public hearing regarding the potential partial abandonment of Alton Auger Road, which was tabled for further review. The Jury adopted an ordinance to relocate a polling place for Precinct 27 and approved travel for staff to upcoming conferences. Additionally, the Board authorized several personnel hires for the Landfill and Road Departments, approved engineering invoices for a courthouse HVAC project, and established new Road Procedures for managing consolidated road tax funds. The Jury also approved the procurement of new dumpsters, a used tractor, and garbage truck bidding, alongside a policy change for employee safety boot reimbursements.

The Commission received reports regarding Transitional Work Program workers and inmate demographics, including new intakes and releases. Financial reports covering revenue, expenses, and overtime comparisons were presented. The Commission approved the declaration of surplus property, including multiple vehicles, to be sold via an online auction site. Additionally, the Commission authorized entering into a Basic Ordering Agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house detainees. An executive session was conducted to discuss personnel, security, and litigation matters.

The committee reviewed a presentation from the Children's Coalition regarding a funding request for opioid programs. The Secretary/Treasurer provided a financial report, and the committee discussed the road maintenance and landfill funds, as well as the necessity for a new landfill cell. The committee recommended payments for HVAC engineering invoices and authorized a transfer of funds to the Health Unit account. They also approved travel for staff to attend a NACO conference and voted to amend the employee boot policy to allow for reimbursement from outside vendors. Finally, the committee adopted new Road Policy Procedures to govern the management and spending of consolidated road tax funds.

The committee reviewed and made recommendations for several equipment-related acquisitions. This included accepting the lowest bid from WasteQuip for thirty-two front load dumpsters and recommending the purchase of a used John Deere 6135 dual wheel tractor for the Landfill. Additionally, the committee authorized the solicitation of bids for the purchase of a new front load garbage truck to be delivered in the following year.

The Personnel Committee discussed several key items, including the recommendation for full-time employment for a landfill staff member and an in-depth review of the 2024 pay scale policy in relation to 2026 budget constraints. The committee reviewed proposed pay increases and reclassifications for various Road and Landfill department employees. Additionally, the committee recommended the adoption of a new Safety Boot Policy, which mandates the use of safety footwear for employees working near heavy machinery and outlines disciplinary procedures for non-compliance.