Cameron Parish Police Jury authorizes support for $5 million Grand Lake recreation bond

The Cameron Parish Police Jury voted April 7 to authorize support for the Grand Lake Recreation Board to pursue up to $5 million in bonds to finance a new Grand Lake recreation center. The vote authorizes the parish to work with the rec board and bond counsel but does not obligate the parish to issue bonds or to sign any closing documents.

Jurors and staff said the parish currently has $2 million set aside for the recreation project and that the proposed bond would effectively add approximately $3 million, with the parish’s contribution used to cover debt service during an initial period. Jurors asked for specifics on annual debt-service costs, the bond timetable and conditions under which bonds would close. Bond counsel was expected to return with formal resolutions, schedules and conditions before any sale or signature.

During discussion, rec board representative Jermaine, who spoke to the jury during the item, said the bond would be pursued “through the jury,” and staff confirmed the process will include the bond commission and standard advertising and approval steps. County staff described a likely timeline of months for initial steps and said full completion of the process could take up to six months to a year depending on approvals and advertising windows.

The jury’s motion, made by Mister Sam and seconded by Mister Danny, passed on a voice vote. Multiple jurors emphasized the motion only conveys willingness to cooperate and that any final bond issuance would require later, formal actions — including possible changes to millage or tax authority required to secure debt service.

The next procedural step is for the bond attorney to prepare and present detailed resolutions and annual debt-service schedules for the jury’s formal consideration. The jury moved on to other business and later entered executive session.