Library proponent urges DeSoto Parish to back $2.8M–$6.1M maker space with no new taxes

Delbert Terry told the DeSoto Parish Police Jury during the Administrative Committee meeting that the parish library could host a multi-studio "maker space" offering music/video recording, drone training, robotics and circuitry, 3D printing and a culinary studio, along with certification testing and classes for all ages.

Terry said the facility is designed to support workforce and STEM skills; he suggested partnerships with local schools and 4‑H and described programs ranging from podcast and short-film production to drone pilot certification and culinary training. He described dedicated studios—soundproof music and podcast rooms, an innovation lab with 3‑D printers and laser cutters, a circuitry/robotics area using Raspberry Pi platforms, sewing and maker stations and a culinary classroom—each intended for scheduled reservations and training.

Terry provided a wide cost estimate based on his planning materials: about $2.8 million at the low end and up to roughly $6.1 million at the high end. He said the funding for the project "is already secured" and that he was not proposing any additional tax burden to the parish. He described the operational model as community‑facing, with time reservations and small user fees to help cover running costs; for some certification tracks he estimated participant costs could range from hundreds to, in specialty cases, higher amounts, but general studio reservation fees would be modest (he suggested an example $100 fee for certain specialized courses).

Jurors pressed for details about staffing and training; Terry said the full staffing plan and cost breakdowns are included in a 450‑page document he prepared and that he would make that document and his slide materials available to the jury. Jurors also asked whether schools and youth organizations could reserve blocks of studio time; Terry said yes and said the goal is to make the parish a local testing center for certifications so residents would not need to travel out of parish to obtain credentials.

Terry emphasized community benefits: pathways to local jobs, business incubation (for example, for food-truck startups), and youth programming. Several jurors expressed enthusiasm and requested a copy of the presentation materials for further review. The proposal drew several logistical questions (cost per participant, reservation procedures, timeline), to which Terry replied that the project could take about two years from start to finish and that he would follow up with printed plans and digital files on request.

The committee did not take an immediate vote on funding or a formal motion to adopt the project during this meeting; Terry said he would supply the full plan and supporting materials for juror consideration.

The maker space presentation was introduced during the committee's guest and public comment period and followed by sustained Q&A. The jury requested the presenter's documents and indicated interest in additional review and potential formal consideration in a future agenda.