The Winn Parish Police Jury at its January meeting on Tuesday approved a member pay raise, their first in over 20 years they heard before taking the vote.

The new compensation will be $1,200 monthly, up from $900, with the president to receive $1,300.  But there was some discussion before the vote was called.  Author Robinson pointed out that he’s always objected to the concept of a pay raise.  But he said that before he came on board, both retirement and insurance for jurors had been eliminated while costs for carrying out duties remained.  He heard that elimination of insurance had saved the jury about $10,000 per juror.

Darrell Franks said that he understands the idea of a raise, considering the cost of gasoline as jurors drive their districts to view roads and other issues.  “But is the timing right, with the population of our parish declining?”  He heard that the additional cost would be $24,000 but was more than offset by the savings on insurance.

The measure was approved, with Franks voting against and Kyle Potts abstaining.

The lawmakers also picked their leadership as they move into the new year by electing Frank McLaren to continue as president and Deionne Carpenter to continue as vice president.  Each was nominated without opposition.  McLaren observed that it has been “an honor” to serve this past year and he is counting on the jury “continuing to move forward with its accomplishments.”

Asst. Road Supt. Paul Hodnett gave a brief report to the lawmakers, focusing on the jury’s pothole-patching program, noting  that temperatures now are too cold to accomplish any effective patching.  He did receive compliments for the road crew on grading in several areas and was also asked to have the crew look into issues in several others.

Jurors approved a motion to name Tony McManus to the Winn Parish Fire District Board for a two-year term to replace Brad Cooper.  They also handled a number of other business matters before adjourning.