The Vernon Parish Police Jury held a committee meeting Monday, June 9, at 5 p.m.
Juror Marvin Hilton took great pride introducing the Anacoco Lady Indians track and field team that won the 2025 LHSAA Class B state title.
Several Committee reports were offered. Hilton, Chairman of the Personnel Committee, relayed a request from the parish Road Manager to hire Michael Wilson as a District 5, part-time equipment operator with a six-month probation period. It was the committee’s only order of business.
The Capital Properties Committee received annual maintenance agreements from Star Services. One, for $4800, is for the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s office (new jail) for annual preventative maintenance on the HVAC system. The other agreement for $1,850 covers the Judicial building (new courthouse) for preventative maintenance on the Air-Cooled Chiller.
The Equipment Committee asked Jurors to consider a resolution approving and accepting an Equipment Lease/Purchase agreement between Cadence Bank and the police jury to finance a new John Deere 5060E Cab Utility Tractor ($55,294.72/state contract) and new Grapple ($3998) for District 6. The president or administrator/treasurer will execute the contract.
David Brister, chairman of the Road Maintenance and Construction Committee, reported a Dirt Pit Agreement from Pamela and Johnny Merriman III for Brushy Creek Road dirt pit. The dirt will cost $3.25 per yard. Brister asked Jurors to consider holding a public hearing on Monday, July 21, at 10 a.m. during the regular monthly Jury meeting. The hearing will consider abandoning a portion of Lone Oak Road in District 11/Ward 1. The portion of the road to be closed is 238 feet, leaving over 1100 feet beginning at Castor Creek Road in the parish road inventory. Quotes were received to replace the gas line on Holton-Harris bridge before bridge replacement begins. Sinclair Utility Solutions LLC quoted $18,750 for work. Apeck Construction quoted $37,563.98 for work. The Town of Rosepine and the Village of Simpson asked for routine maintenance on streets, including boom mowing, ditch cleaning and other work within town and village limits.
The next meeting of the Vernon Parish Police Jury is 10 a.m., Monday, June 16.