DeSoto Parish OKs notice to proceed for debris contractor, will use disaster-relief funds while seeking reimbursements

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted to authorize the parish administrator to issue a notice to proceed to the debris contractor, using monies from the disaster-relief fund while continuing efforts to secure state and federal reimbursement. The motion, moved by Mr. Jones and seconded by Mr. Clark, carried on roll call.

Administrator briefed jurors that the parish’s disaster-relief fund balance available for immediate work is $409,000 and that the parish has completed a public RFP for debris-hauling contractors. He said the RFP process is necessary to preserve eligibility for reimbursements and described the reimbursement threshold as “pretty high,” noting parish staff is coordinating documentation with neighboring jurisdictions and state representatives.

“If they [state or federal officials] do [declare an incident], we will pursue reimbursements,” the administrator said, adding the parish is preparing as much supporting data as possible to meet the reimbursement threshold. Jurors asked about contractor fees and the administrator said the contractor’s fee schedule is based on debris category (tree limb size, cubic yards) and that staff will circulate fee details to jurors by email.

The jury’s action authorizes immediate mobilization under the approved RFP and directs the administrator to manage the contract within the stated budget; jurors said they will amend the disaster-relief fund later if additional funds are needed and reimbursements are not secured.

What’s next: The parish will provide jurors with the contractor fee schedule and continue to track potential reimbursements from the state/federal declarations. The notice to proceed was authorized to allow cleanup to begin without delay.