The Winn Parish Police Jury will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Nov. 29, to consider placing a renewal of its half-cent sales tax dedicated to roads on the April ballot. As that moves forward, official action on the tax call would be taken by the new Police Jury at its first meeting Jan. 8. The current tax runs through June 2025.
Outgoing president Josh McAllister encouraged all present jurors as well as the newly elected members to attend the upcoming hearing in order to better understand the process, as the Budget Committee will also meet to look ahead to 2024. He noted that the January meeting date (normally the third Monday) is changed because current juror terms continue through Jan. 7, with the new jury taking office Jan. 8. At that time, all members will take their oath of office then elect a jury president for the year.
In other action, Ward 7 Constable Shirley Tubbs asked the jury to consider strengthening its existing Livestock Ordinance. While prohibitions are in place to keep livestock off of roads and bridges, she complained there is nothing to protect homeowners from unfenced livestock damaging gardens, yards, fences and property.
Mrs. Tubbs described her fenced property as being “as far north as you can go in Winn” and emphasized that she has no livestock. “But other farmers don’t have fences,” she said, adding she gets calls that “my cows are out. I don’t have any cows.” She cited numerous instances of property damage and disturbances from wandering cows and bulls.” McAllister said he would get the issue back on the agenda for committee meeting.
Road superintendent Parry Holmes opened his monthly comments with praise for the recent rains which may help the road crew to cut gravel into the roads. And speaking of gravel, he explained that road gravel is not been available from anywhere for a while but he just got confirmation of availability this week. The parish truck is now hauling to restock the supply and Holmes said they can now resume work on parish roads, including some of the FEMA projects.
He also pointed to a bit of tourism that will be coming Winn’s way in December. As president of the Louisiana Parish Engineers & Supervisors Association, he determined that their annual meeting ought to be held in the Louisiana Political Museum. He said he’s also contacting local merchants in hopes of putting together some welcome bags “and encouraging our visitors to shop a little while they’re here.”
Outgoing juror Tammy Griffin thanked her fellow members for the time she’s been with them, saying “it’s been a pleasure and a joy. No one understands the work and the pressure that happens around this table. I love and appreciate you all.”