Monday, March 27th, 2023, the Winnfield Police Jury convened at 5 pm for a “special call” meeting. Among the listed matters on the agenda for discussion that evening, were the GIS mapping is a significant issue and will have a resolution this coming Monday.
Shortly after beginning with prayer and pledge, the motion of business was adopted. The Jury proceeded to the first item of said business, discussing quotes on GIS (Geographical Information System) for Winn Parish presented by our current Tax Assessor, Lawrence Desadier.
A geographic information system (GIS) is a system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with descriptive information (what things are like there). For example, the information stored with each land parcel can generate countless maps and tables that display and summarize property values, land use, tax revenues, and ownership. This provides a foundation for mapping and analysis used in almost every industry. It helps users understand patterns, relationships, and geographic context and improves communication, efficiency, management, and decision-making. GIS data includes imagery, features, and base maps linked to spreadsheets and tables and integrates many data layers using spatial location. Spatial analysis lets you evaluate or assess things like setting routes, tracking transportations, and establishing correlations between objects, events and places.
Desadier stated within the meeting that he had previously inquired about grants to fund this endeavor but has yet to find them. He explains that he has sent out procurements for a mapping system and received three proposals.
Monday, March 27th, 2023, the Winnfield Police Jury convened at 5 pm for a “special called” meeting. Among the listed matters on the agenda for discussion that evening was the GIS mapping which is a significant issue and will have a resolution this coming Monday.
Shortly after beginning with prayer and pledge, the motion of business was adopted. The Jury proceeded to the first item of said business, discussing quotes on GIS (Geographical Information System) for Winn Parish presented by our current Tax Assessor, Lawrence Desadier.
A geographic information system (GIS) is a system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with descriptive information (what things are like there). For example, the information stored with each land parcel can generate countless maps and tables that display and summarize property values, land use, tax revenues, and ownership. This provides a foundation for mapping and analysis used in almost every industry. It helps users understand patterns, relationships, and geographic context and improves communication, efficiency, management, and decision-making. GIS data includes imagery, features, and base maps linked to spreadsheets and tables and integrates many data layers using spatial location. Spatial analysis lets you evaluate or assess things like setting routes, tracking transportation, and establishing correlations between objects, events and places.
Desadier stated within the meeting that he had previously inquired about grants to fund this endeavor but has yet to find them. He explains that he has sent out procurements for a mapping system and received three proposals.
- EFS GeoTechnologies at $15 a parcel (26,858 parcels if EFS does mapping) and a yearly fee of $9,600.
- Geographic Computer Technologies, LLC, for a total cost of $143,000, with an annual cost of $6,000.
- Spatial Net, Inc for a total cost of $68,000 and . a yearly fee of $2,000
Mr. Desadier requested that the Jury allocate the money for GIS using Arpa funds since his office can not afford the initial costs. Desadier suggested Spatial Net, Inc, stating that if the Jury voted in favor and funded the service, he could maintain the yearly $2,000 from his office budget.
In the case of Winn Parish, the question of property maps online (a function designated to the Tax Assessors Office) has been a consistent question for a decade or more. The internet became public domain in 1993, gaining accessibility and popularity in the early 2000s–that’s quite a bit of time to go without that sort of step forward, something several citizens have voiced over the years. That includes Desadier’s opponent in the ongoing Tax Assessor’s race (voting to begin October 14th, 2023), Chet Atkins, who has put a consistent voice to the matter since announcing his candidacy in January.
Four out of the sixty-four parishes in Louisiana still need an online mapping system. Winn Parish is one of the remaining four.
The Jury has taken the matter under advisement and will meet Monday, April 17th, at 5 pm, with GIS mapping on the agenda for a vote.
Contact your Jury members and let them know your questions or concerns on this issue before Monday evening!
District 1/Mr. Phillip Evans (318 646-2045)
District 2/Mrs. Deionne Carpenter (318-302-3113)
District 3/Mr. Josh McAllister, President (318-332-9699) or (318-729-1727)
District 4/Mrs. Tammy Griffin (318-277-6582)
District 5/Mr. Kirk Miles, Vice-President (318-413-0754)
District 6/Mr. Author Robinson (318-628-7634)
District 7/Mr. Frank McLaren (318-646-2421)
