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Jeff Davis Parish EDC swears in four new members, approves search budget and interim assistant
Summary
At a March 19 meeting in Jennings the Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development Commission sworn in four new members, approved a $6,000 search budget and a budget amendment to fund an interim assistant position, and discussed director hiring details and a potential 90,000 sq ft distribution center.
The Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development Commission on March 19, 2025, at First Guaranty Bank in Jennings sworn in four new board members and approved several budget measures to move forward with hiring a director and interim staff.
Chairman Ronnie Petree presided as Chrystal Breaux, Beth Daigle, Kendal Henry and Will Hetzel were sworn in by Richard Arceneaux. The commission approved the meeting agenda (moved by Beau Hearod; seconded by Dr. Shane Fontenot), the Feb. 12 minutes (moved by Beau Hearod; seconded by Dr. Shane Fontenot) and the January 2025 financials (moved by Kendal Henry; seconded by Chrystal Breaux). Each of those motions passed unanimously.
The board moved, on a motion by Beau Hearod and seconded by Beth Daigle, to allow a budget amendment to create an interim assistant position; that motion passed unanimously. Commissioners also approved a $6,000 budget for the director search committee (moved by Dr. Shane Fontenot; seconded by Beau Hearod) and a $750 sponsorship for the SWAMP STOL event (moved by Dr. Shane Fontenot; seconded by Carter Prejean); both motions passed unanimously.
Ben Boudreaux, Jeff Davis Parish administrator, used the public-comment period to press the commission to keep communication open with governing bodies and to help advance ongoing projects. Boudreaux asked for assistance with the Silicone Ranch project, help notifying stakeholders about inventory tax, research support for a proposed sports complex, and formation of an active Industrial Development Board to offer business incentives. He also urged the commission to prioritize posting the director position and to call an election of officers.
The commission recorded that the director job description was reviewed and recorded as approved, but members agreed to delay posting while clarifying which entity would hire and pay the director and what benefits (retirement or health insurance) would be offered. Commissioners discussed employer costs, the possible need for a probationary period to obtain benefits, and a salary range that still needs to be set. Petree said the retail position tied to the office would be hired after the director is in place.
Petree recommended Kendal Henry serve on the search committee and asked Carter Prejean to prepare the job advertisement; Petree said he would send a committee outline by email. The search committee budget of $6,000 was approved to support recruiting and advertising activities.
Petree also reported preliminary interest from a potential business that could locate a 90,000-square-foot main distribution center in Jeff Davis Parish, with an estimated 60 employees, seven middle-management positions and eight upper-management positions. Petree said he is continuing to submit requests for proposals to attract businesses to the parish.
The commission deferred selection of a Secretary/Treasurer until the ninth board member is appointed; nominations for that seat were set to be submitted to Petree by 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2025, with a special meeting to be called for the appointment. The next regular meeting was announced for noon Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at First Guaranty Bank. A motion to adjourn (moved by Beau Hearod; seconded by Will Hetzel) passed unanimously.
Minutes were certified by Chairman Ronnie Petree.
