MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

August 7, 2012

MEMBERS:  Charles Walker, President; Vera Davison, Vice President; Charles Odom; Daniel Thomas; Bruce Blanton; Perry Kirkland; Steve Lemmons; Jerri Lee; Allen Gilbert; Steve Ramsey; Jim Bonsall; and Randy Thomas

PUBLIC HEARING:  To hear comments concerning the adoption of adjusted millage rates after reassessment and to roll forward to rates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum.  Comments:

Mr. James Madden- Stated that he neither oppose or support the Jury’s intention to roll forward.  Asked that the Jury consider who pays the cost.

Mr. Jim Frazier—Asked the Jury to consider putting off a roll forward until the next reassessment.

No other comments from the Public.

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.

PUBLIC MEETING CONVENED:

Mr. Charles Walker, President, called the Regular Meeting of the Webster Parish Police Jury to order and asked COL Carl Thompson to open the meeting with prayer and Mr. Walker asked Mr. Ellzey Simmons to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Walker then asked for additions to the agenda.   There were no additions to the agenda. 

Audience Comments is the next item on the agenda.  Mr. Charles Walker asked if there were comments concerning the Agenda or other comments from the audience:  - Mrs. Lynn Dorsey, Webster Parish Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director addressed the Jury.  Mrs. Dorsey introduced Mrs. Jerri De’Pingre, South Webster Parish Convention and Visitor’s Bureau President.  Mrs. De’Pingre was appointed earlier this summer. 

No other comments were heard concerning the agenda.

Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Charles Odom to adopt the minutes of the July 3, 2012 Regular Meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Randy Thomas to approve invoices for payment pending review of the committee.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Allen Gilbert to adopt Webster Parish Ordinance # 1005 to levy the Adjusted Millage Rates upon the dollar of the assessed valuation of all property subject to ad Valorem Taxation within the Parish of Webster for the year 2012 for the purpose of raising revenue.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Jim Bonsall moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Ramsey to adopt Webster Parish Ordinance # 1006 that increases the millage rates but not in excess of the prior year’s maximum rates on all taxable property shown on the official assessment roll for the year 2012 for Webster Parish, Louisiana.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Margie Williamson, CPA with the firm of Allen, Green, and Williamson presented the audit report of the Webster Parish Police Jury for the year ending December 31, 2011.  Mrs. Williamson reported that the audit report included the WPPJ Office of Community Services, E-911, and the Webster Parish Police Jury.  Mrs. Williamson reported that all of these entities received an unqualified opinion of their financial statements- the best report that you can receive.  The Webster Parish Police Jury Audit report for 2011 can be viewed online on the Legislative Auditor’s website www.lla.state.la.us. 

Mr. Bruce Blanton moved, seconded by Mr. Charles Odom to approve the 2^nd quarter budget amendments for the Webster Parish Police Jury as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

The next item on the agenda is Board Appointments.  Mr. Perry Kirkland moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to approve the appointment of Yolanda Palmer to a 2-year term on the Cotton Valley Fire District #8 Board effective August 1, 2012.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Daniel Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Charles Odom to approve the reappointment of Mr. Garland Hughes, President and to reappoint Commissioner, Pete Schuler to the Sarepta Water Works District.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Randy Thomas moved, seconded by Mrs. Jerri Lee to approve recreational funding in District #4 to make drainage repairs on Dogwood Trail rights of way.  Motion carried unanimously.

COMMENTS:

Beverly Hammett                                                    Webster Parish Library

Lynn Dorsey                                                           Webster Parish Convention and Visitors’ Bureau

COL Carl Thompson                                              National Guard – Camp Minden

John Stanley                                                            Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security

Bobby Garrett                                                         Senator Robert Adley

Ellzey Simmons                                                      Trailblazer

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Allen Gilbert extended his appreciation to COL Carl Thompson and the YCP at Camp Minden.

Mr. Perry Kirkland told the audience that the decision to Roll Forward was a tough decision for all the Jury and he realized that the rural communities need the Police Jury’s assistance.

Mr. Steve Ramsey moved, seconded by Mr. Steve Lemmons to approve the action taken at the Road Committee Meeting held earlier this day.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Charles Odom extended his appreciation to all that attended today’s meeting.  Mr. Odom told those in attendance that the Jury had spent much time going over the impact of the Roll Forward.  The Jury tries to be good stewards of the Parish funds and by law we are mandated to stay within our funds.  He emphasized that all parish residents can receive free waste disposal at the Webster Parish Landfill.

Ms. Vera Davison reported on the recent Webster Parish School Board Back to School Bash where free school supplies, lunch, and even free haircuts for the young men.  Ms. Davison worked with Safe Haven to provide lunches and Mrs. Lee assisted with handing out the school supplies.

Mr. Daniel Thomas stated that the Federal, State, and Local Taxing Agencies can do better, and the Police Jury will continue to work hard to make necessary cuts while providing the services needed for our citizens.  Mr. Thomas extended his appreciation to all that attended the Public Hearing today.

Mr. Randy Thomas reported on the progress of the Resolution that was passed at a Police Jury meeting earlier this summer concerning the intersection at LA 159 and LA 157, known as Bailey’s Crossing.  Mr. Thomas stated that several safety improvements have been made at the intersection including a larger Stop Sign, Rumble Strips, etc.  Mr. Thomas expressed his appreciation to Mrs. Debbie Brown with Gene Reynolds office, Mr. Bobby Garrett with Senator Adley’s office, Sheriff Gary Sexton who wrote letters to DOTD, and many others who helped to provide DOTD with the information needed to improve the safety of this intersection.

Mrs. Jerri Lee recognized the Library Board members who attended the Police Jury Meeting including Mrs. Lydia Madden, President; Mrs. Beverly Hammett, Director as well as other board members.  The Library board has worked hard to provide the information needed to make a difficult decision concerning the Millage Tax Roll Forward.  Mrs. Lee then spoke about the Webster Parish School Board’s Back to School Bash and thanked the many volunteers who spend hours helping the children of Webster Parish.

Ronda Carnahan, Secretary-Treasurer expressed her appreciation to the Jury; Lisa and the Police Jury Staff; Beverly Hammett, Webster Parish Library; Dal Taylor, Webster Parish E-911; and Mr. John Stanley, Webster Parish Homeland Security for their hard work during this year’s financial audit.

Mr. Walker then gave closing remarks to the Jury.

There being no further business to bring before the Police Jury, the Meeting adjourned.

Ronda Carnahan                                                                                      Charles R. Walker

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                                 President

WEBSTER PARISH ORDINANCE #              1005       

AN ORDINANCE LEVYING THE FOLLOWING ADJUSTED MILLAGE RATES UPON THE DOLLAR OF THE ASSESSED VALUATION OF ALL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO AD VALOREM TAXATION WITHIN THE PARISH OF WEBSTER FOR THE YEAR 2012, FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAISING REVENUE. 

SECTION I.          BE IT ORDAINED by the Webster Parish Police Jury in regular session convened, this     7^th  day of August,   2012,  which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article VII, Section 23© of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B), that the following adjusted millage rates be and they are hereby levied upon the dollar of the assessed valuation of all property subject to ad valorem taxation within said Parish for the year 2012, for the purpose of raising revenue:

1. For general parish purposes (General alimony tax)  on all taxable property inside the corporate limits of the City of Minden, Louisiana and inside the corporate limits of the City of Springhill, Louisiana……………(2.01) MILLS  1077003

1. For general parish purposes (General alimony tax) on all taxable property outside

the corporate limits of the City of Minden, Louisiana and the City of Springhill, Louisiana……………………………………………..(3.94) MILLS 1077002

1. For the maintenance and operation of the Webster Parish Courthouse, Webster   

      Parish Health Unit and Agricultural Extension Service..(2.72) MILLS 1077004

1. For acquiring, constructing, improving, furnishing, equipping, operating and/or

      maintaining Public Libraries in Webster Parish…… (11.72) MILLS 1077005

1. For the construction, maintenance, and repairing of Roads and Bridges located

      in Road District “A” of Webster Parish, Louisiana……...(2.55) MILLS 1077009

                New Tax 2008

1. For the construction, maintenance, and repairing of Road and Bridges located in     

Road District “B” of Webster Parish Louisiana……….(3.91) MILLS 1077010

1. For constructing and improving Public Libraries for Webster Parish and

acquiring the necessary land, equipment and furnishings therefore authorized and directed in Webster Parish, Louisiana……………………(  1  )MILLS 1077046

  *****Tax for bonds

SECTION II.                        BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Assessor of Webster Parish, Louisiana, shall extend said tax on the assessment rolls of Webster Parish, Louisiana for the year 2012, and the Tax Collector of Webster Parish, Louisiana shall collect and account for the same in the same manner at the same time as provided for the collection of taxes and that same shall become delinquent and bear the same penalty as provided by law for taxes.

WHICH ORDINANCE,      On Motion of          Daniel Thomas                        , seconded by

                Allen Gilbert            Was adopted this    7^th  day of August, 2012          by the following vote:

YEA:       12                            ABSTAIN:               0             

NEA:         0                            ABSENT:                0             

Attest:

                                s/                                                                                             s/                                            

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                 Charles R. Walker

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  President

WEBSTER PARISH ORDINANCE #              1006       

AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE MILLAGE RATES BUT NOT IN EXCESS OF THE PRIOR YEAR’S MAXIMUM RATES ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY SHOWN ON THE OFFICIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE YEAR 2012 FOR WEBSTER PARISH, LOUISIANA.

SECTION I.          BE IT ORDAINED by the Webster Parish Police Jury in regular session convened, this     7^th  day of August ,  2012, that in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article VII, Section 23© of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B), that the Webster Parish Police Jury voted to increase the millage rates, but not in excess of the prior year’s maximum rates, on all taxable property shown on the official assessment roll for the year 2012, and when collected, the revenues from said taxes shall be used only for the specific purposes for which said taxes have been levied.  Said millage rates are:

                                                                                                                                Adjusted Rate       2012 Levy

1. For general parish purposes (General alimony tax)  on all taxable

 property inside the corporate limits of the City of Minden, LA

 and inside the corporate limits of the City of Springhill, LA………2.01 Mills               ……………2.030 Mills         

1. For general parish purposes (General alimony tax) on all taxable

 property outside the corporate limits of the City of Minden, LA

 and the City of Springhill, LA……………………………………  3.94 Mills…………..4.060 Mills

1. For the maintenance and operation of the Webster Parish Courthouse,

 Webster Parish Health Unit and Agricultural Extension Service……2.720Mills…………2.780 Mills

1. For acquiring, constructing, improving, furnishing, equipping,

operating and/or maintaining Public Libraries in Webster Parish…  11.720 Mills……..….12.00  Mills

1. For the construction, maintenance, and repairing of Roads and

Bridges located in Road District “A” of Webster Parish, LA……….   2.55………………...2.650 Mills

1. For the construction, maintenance, and repairing of Road and

Bridges located in Road District “B” of Webster Parish LA………..3.910 Mills……… ….3.920 Mills

1. For constructing and improving Public Libraries for Webster Parish

 and acquiring the necessary land, equipment and furnishings

 therefore authorized and directed in Webster Parish, LA   …. Tax for bonds……….…..1.00   Mills

SECTION II.                        BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Assessor of Webster Parish, Louisiana, shall extend said tax on the assessment rolls of Webster Parish, Louisiana for the year 2012, and the Tax Collector of Webster Parish, Louisiana shall collect and account for the same in the same manner at the same time as provided for the collection of taxes and that same shall become delinquent and bear the same penalty as provided by law for taxes.

WHICH ORDINANCE,      On Motion of          Jim Bonsall                              , seconded by

                Steve Ramsey          Was adopted this    7^th  day of August, 2012          by the following vote:

YEA:       12                            ABSTAIN:               0             

NEA:       0                              ABSENT:                0             

Attest:

                s/                                                                                                             s/                                            

Ronda C. Carnahan                                                                 Charles R. Walker

Secretary-Treasurer                                                                  President

WEBSTER PARISH POLICE JURY

4^TH QUARTER BUDGET AMENDMENTS