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DeSoto Parish Police Jury approves series of contracts, hires special counsel and fills vacancy temporarily
Summary
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted to approve multiple contracts and resolutions — including stop‑loss insurance renewal, CDBG and infrastructure agreements — hired several special counsels and temporarily appointed Ray Sherrow to a vacant juror seat. Key motions passed by recorded votes.
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted Wednesday to approve a package of contracts and resolutions that the administration said are intended to keep capital projects and county operations moving.
The jury authorized the president to sign a stop‑loss insurance contract for the parish’s self‑funded health plan after hearing a presentation from Joe Fernandez of HPO Benefits, who described an 8% renewal option from Blue Cross of Louisiana and other reinsurance offers. The jury also adopted a resolution authorizing the president to execute a Louisiana Community Development Block Grant administrative and engineering services contract and approved corporate endeavor agreements for roadway improvements, including a DOTD‑required left turn lane for Washington Strong Tower LLC and a bus turnaround agreement with the parish school board.
Jurors approved multiple special‑counsel hires. Resolutions to retain Timothy Hardy of the noted firm and other outside counsel to serve as independent counsel in various matters were moved, seconded and carried without further amendment. The jury also authorized the use of open‑top containers for residents under specified circumstances and approved a waiver of tipping fees for the nonprofit Faith and Fostering.
In personnel actions, the panel voted to temporarily appoint Ray Sherrow to the District 3 seat until an election can be held; the new appointee stood and thanked jurors after the vote. The jury also appointed Cody Clark to the DeSoto Fire District No. 1 board to replace Jody Warren.
The motions and resolutions passed by voice or roll‑call votes as recorded in the meeting minutes. No legal or fiscal opposition to the contracts was reported during the meeting; several items referenced existing documentation in jurors’ binders, including hold‑harmless language and reinsurance terms.
The jury concluded the business after a series of routine votes and closed the meeting following a formal motion to adjourn.
