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Juror alleges racial bias as dispute erupts over 4‑H arena, sports complex and event rules
Summary
A heated exchange at the DeSoto Parish Police Jury meeting centered on a $50,000 grant for a covered 4‑H arena and a juror’s push for a separate multiuse sports complex; juror Trina Burrell accused unfair enforcement and called the practice 'racial,' threatening legal action if conditions recur.
A dispute over whether parish funds and grants should support a covered arena adjacent to the 4‑H barn or be redirected toward a multiuse sports complex in one juror’s district escalated into accusations of unequal treatment and racial bias during the DeSoto Parish Police Jury meeting.
Juror Trina Burrell said a $50,000 grant the jury secured for a covered arena benefits nonprofits and the state more than the local residents in her district and complained that previous attempts to place a sports complex on the agenda “never did happen.” Burrell said she and constituents had been blocked from advancing their sports complex plans and contrasted that with recent outdoor activities connected to the 4‑H building, which she said had fewer enforcement requirements.
"It ain't fair, and it's wrong," Burrell said, adding that if similar unequal treatment occurs again she would file suit, explicitly characterizing the practice as racial. Other jurors responded that the jury must vote to call an election or place items on the agenda, and that some discussions had occurred previously but had not been returned to the formal agenda for a vote. A mix of jurors urged following procedure and offered to help place a sports complex request on a future agenda.
The administrative report noted the awarded $50,000 equine grant toward a covered arena and an additional $175,000 in the parish capital budget designated for parking. Jurors also discussed how a covered arena would support 4‑H events broadly, including livestock and equine activities, while opponents argued it would not serve the broad community use that a multiuse sports complex would provide.
No formal motion to change the grant or redirect funds was made at the meeting. A separate motion to resend an August 19, 2024 motion restricting certain outside rentals at the 4‑H building failed, and Burrell reiterated her intent to pursue legal remedies if she believes enforcement is discriminatory. The dispute remained unresolved at adjournment; jurors suggested staff assistance to place the sports complex on a future agenda if Burrell pursues it. The jury did not take legal action or commit funds away from the 4‑H grant during the session.
