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Jefferson Davis Parish EDC accepts CEO resignation, moves toward charter restructuring
Summary
At its Jan. 8 meeting the Jefferson Davis Parish Economic Development Commission unanimously accepted President/CEO Creed Romano’s resignation, reapproved existing 2025 joint service agreements and discussed a proposed charter that would change board representation and allow employee participation in the Parochial Employees' Retirement System.
The Jefferson Davis Parish Economic Development Commission on Jan. 8 unanimously accepted the resignation of President and CEO Creed Romano and signaled a governance shift as members discussed amending the EDC charter to change board representation.
Chairman Ronnie Petree called the noon meeting at First Guaranty Bank to order. A motion by Judy Petry, secretary/treasurer of the Jefferson Davis Tourist Commission, to accept Romano’s resignation was seconded by Beau Hearod and approved without opposition. The resignation creates an open executive post for the commission to fill in coming weeks.
The board also voted unanimously to reapprove the 2025 Joint Service Agreements that maintain operational relationships among the Jefferson Davis Parish Economic Development Commission, the Jefferson Davis Parish Landfill Commission, the Jefferson Davis Tourist Commission and the Jefferson Davis Chamber of Commerce. Mike Heinen moved the reapproval; Marilyn Watkins seconded. Board member Carter Prejean left the meeting before that vote was taken.
Greg Marcantel, identified in the meeting roster as a CPA, briefed the commission on proposed charter amendments. He said the new charter would nullify the current joint service agreements, permit the Tourist Commission to withdraw formally, and restructure membership so that the Police Jury would appoint three members, the City of Jennings would appoint three members (with a residency requirement broadened from strict city limits to living or working within the parish), the Town of Welsh would appoint one member and the Town of Lake Arthur would appoint one member. The board would select a ninth at‑large member from recommendations across the parish. Marcantel said that if the Police Jury joins the commission, an EDC employee could qualify for retirement benefits through the Parochial Employees' Retirement System, comparable to the current arrangement administered via the Tourist Commission.
Chairman Petree also announced the "JDP Alive in 25" event scheduled for March 6 at the Bayou Rum Event Center in Lacassine. The commission approved a $1,000 payment to the Jeff Davis/Acadia Parish Leadership Excel Program on a motion by Judy Petry and a second by Marilyn Watkins.
The commission scheduled its next meeting for noon on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at First Guaranty Bank and adjourned following a unanimous motion by Dr. Shane Fontenot, seconded by Beau Hearod.
Votes at a glance: • Accept resignation of Creed Romano — motion: Judy Petry; second: Beau Hearod; outcome: approved (unanimous). • Reapprove 2025 Joint Service Agreements (EDC/Landfill; EDC/Tourist Commission; EDC/Tourist/Chamber) — motion: Mike Heinen; second: Marilyn Watkins; outcome: approved (unanimous). Carter Prejean left before the vote. • Payment of $1,000 to Jeff Davis/Acadia Parish Leadership Excel Program — motion: Judy Petry; second: Marilyn Watkins; outcome: approved (unanimous).
The meeting minutes as certified by Chairman Ronnie Petree list no public comments and note that November 2024 financial reports were not available for review at this session.
