Jurors approve $90,000 transfer for Veterans Park emergency pavilion despite funding concerns

The Assumption Parish Police Jury voted on March 12 to transfer $90,000 from a Ward 7/8/9 GOMESA ring‑levy project to serve as matching funds for an Emergency Pavilion at Veterans Park. Proponents said the pavilion would be used during emergencies for sandbagging operations, distribution of supplies and other response activities.

During debate several jurors and staff voiced concern about whether a pavilion qualifies under GOMESA funding rules, which are intended for drainage and mitigation projects. A staff member expressed that the project "is not a viable project for GOMESA funding" in the form and purpose described, and warned the jury that if a funding agency later disallowed the transfer the parish's general fund could be charged back. Supporters argued the pavilion would directly support emergency response activities such as sandbagging and therefore had a reasonable nexus to emergency preparedness.

Despite the objections, a motion was made by Juror Pond (motion recorded as moved by "mister Pond") and seconded by Juror Carter to approve the transfer; the motion carried. The transcript records verbal back‑and‑forth in which at least one juror asked what would happen in the event of a chargeback and whether the general fund would absorb costs; proponents said the Veterans Park budget had the money available and that the money was being reallocated from a previously cut project.

Ending Jurors asked staff to provide written justification and documentation of eligibility to support the transfer after the meeting. One juror requested that the documentation be circulated to all members so that any risk of a future chargeback could be evaluated in writing.