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Livingston Parish Council approves $15,000 for airport FAA study after heated debate, 7–2
Summary
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 toward certification. Several council members pressed for audit documentation and a presentation from the airport board before additional local funding.
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, a step county officials say is necessary to pursue FAA certification and future federal funding.
Councilman Menas moved the funding request, and Councilman Goff seconded the motion. The motion passed with seven members in favor and two opposed; the clerk recorded Councilman Chavers and Councilman Coates as the two no votes.
Opponents cited a history of local contributions and a lack of documentation about prior expenditures. Councilman Chavers said the parish already had provided significant sums and objected to using local tax dollars without clearer accountability, saying the airport "drops something on the agenda, and there's nobody here to even speak for it." Councilman Coates asked for expenditure reports and said residents expected assurances that taxpayers would not be asked for more money.
Supporters argued the $15,000 represents a relatively small, targeted investment to complete a technical step that could unlock federal grants. Mickey McMorris, the parish finance director, told the council the airport previously received $50,000 and that planned future requests would include $50,000 in next year’s budget plus additional study funds; he described the airport’s use of public funds as audited and said the $49,000 settlement discussed later in the meeting came from insurance proceeds, not taxes. "We’ve come this close to getting this thing done," one supporter said, urging the council that delaying funding could imperil FAA timelines.
Multiple council members requested a fuller briefing and a site tour before approving larger budget requests next year. Councilman Goff said he had asked the airport’s board chair to provide a video and presentation for the council and public when the board’s representative returned.
The council’s approval authorizes the $15,000 payment to be allocated in the 2025 budget year to support the next phase of the FAA study. According to discussion in the meeting packet and comments from council members, the airport district has previously received $50,000 and may seek additional funding commitments in the 2026 budget cycle.
