The Livingston Parish Council voted 7-2 on Nov. 20 to approve a $15,000 payment to the Livingston Parish Airport District to fund the next phase of an FAA study the district says is required for certification and to access federal funding.

The motion, made by Councilman Dominguez and seconded by Councilman Goff, prompted extended discussion about past parish support and whether the district had demonstrated the need for additional local funding. Councilman Shavers noted prior payments and questioned continued use of local tax dollars: “Since 2018, we've given them $35,000 a year... I just don't want it coming out of Livingston Parish tax dollars,” he said.

Finance staff and supporters said prior funds covered costs such as insurance and legal work and that audit records are publicly available; staff also said the new payment would be used to complete a study phase that could unlock federal funds. Councilman Goff and other supporters said the airport has made visible progress and that FAA approval would enable revenue-sharing from regional airports.

Councilwoman Sandifer requested a presentation and tour of the facility for the 2026 budget cycle; some supporters said delaying the $15,000 could jeopardize the study’s timing. The council recorded the motion as passing 7-2; the minutes list the no votes as "Councilman Chavers" and Councilman Coates and enumerate the seven yes votes in the record.

The parish will allocate the $15,000 in the 2025 budget year for the FAA study phase; airport staff were not present at the meeting to provide the requested presentation, and multiple council members said they expect a formal update during next year’s budget discussions.