During the Sabine Parish Police Jury meeting on November 20, 2024, a significant discussion arose regarding the scoring process for bids related to financial services. The jury addressed concerns raised by a local bank about why they were not selected for a contract, despite submitting a proposal.

The conversation highlighted a discrepancy in the scoring process, with some jurors questioning why bids were scored if they did not meet the necessary requirements. One juror emphasized that if a proposal fails to meet the specifications, it should not be considered in the scoring at all. This led to a debate about transparency and communication with the banks involved, particularly regarding the reasons for their non-selection.

In response to the concerns, it was proposed that a public meeting be held to clarify the decision-making process and to address the community's questions. The jury acknowledged the need for better communication, suggesting that a detailed explanation of the scoring and selection process be made available on the parish's website and through local media outlets.

Ultimately, the jury reaffirmed their decision to select Citibank and Trust based on their proposal, which was deemed the best option. The discussion concluded with a consensus to move forward and ensure that the rationale behind their decisions is clearly communicated to the public, aiming to restore confidence in the bidding process and the jury's integrity.