The Winn Parish Police Jury received the good news of a “clean audit” for 2024, delivered by auditor Nicholas Fowlkes of Kolder, Slaven & Co. during their July meeting on Monday.
The audit showed that the money coming in and the spending going out were in line, with his observation that the figures as presented could be relied upon. In the same manner, the auditor had looked at the jury’s internal controls of its financial operation and found no issues. He did qualify the duties of an auditor, explaining that one can’t view every action that takes place but just expresses an opinion.
Because of the amount of federal revenues that passed through the parish government, Fowlkes explained that a separate audit is necessary but that too brought an unmodified opinion, with no issues in the way the jury expended those funds. Jury president Frank McLaren thanked the auditor for a good report.
Matthew McKee was on hand Monday night to introduce himself as Winn’s community liaison for Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana’s District 4 Congressman. “If you have any federal issues, please contact me for help,” he told the jurors.
Winn has benefited from two volunteer organizations and received a pledge of support, as needed, from each. Representatives from each the Red Cross and Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief gave reports to the jury.
In the past year, Destini Kirkland said Red Cross responded with assistance to 10 house fires; worked with the Office of Emergency Preparedness on 4 shelter surveys; assisted Fire District 3 making 15 homes safer with installation of 45 smoke alarms; cooperated with the City of Winnfield with training of volunteers for shelters (15 attended); and conducted 4 “Pedro” presentations at Winn Parish Library branches where they educated young children on tornado, hurricane and fire safety. “There were no storms but we were ready.”
Bubba Kirkland called Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief a “quiet, large army available to help a community for manmade or natural disaster.” He described an array of services through units including some that provide feeding for victims and volunteers to others that provide showers and laundry services. Nearby is the Rolling Hills unit that can put out an amazing 30,000 meals a day during major disasters.
As an example of this “army’s” size, he indicated that 12,000 volunteers were on the ground to help following Hurricane Helene. Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief is third in size after the Red Cross and Salvation Army. He pointed out that in times of disaster, “we’re available.” He emphasized that those wanting to volunteer are invited to come.
Road Superintendent Perry Holmes reported that road grading is going fine although it is interrupted by frequent rains. Bush hogging is also going well but they run one tractor at a time due to the age of the equipment. A track hoe has been working on the WSHS grounds and has nearly completed the requested cleanout of the ditch separating WMS grounds. He also reported that because of an issue at the turnaround on Cane Street in Sikes (too many property lines involved), that work is on hold.
The jury agreed to a motion by Kyle Potts to assist the Village of Sikes by bush hogging along Cane and Second Streets. They also agreed with Stanley Garrett to assist the Winn Parish School Board with asphalt repairs of the driveway entering Winnfield Middle School. Perry responded that the jury has not done asphalt work there before, using iron ore instead which keeps developing potholes. “This will be a $5,300 fix and will be permanent.”
Author Robinson commented at the meeting’s conclusion that he will retire effective August 1, allowing him more time or jury work. “I won’t be late for meetings.”
