Jefferson Davis Parish Tourist Commission adopts employee policy, authorizes contract signatory and backs Lake Arthur Christmas marketing grant

The Jefferson Davis Parish Tourist Commission on July 8, 2025, unanimously approved a new Employee Policy and Best Practices Manual, authorized Director Carter Prejean to sign contracts on the commission’s behalf, and approved a marketing grant to support the Town of Lake Arthur’s 2025 Christmas event.

Chair Sheila Chapman opened the meeting. The motion to adopt the employee policy was moved by Shelby LaFosse and seconded by Kayla Doga and passed unanimously. Commissioners then voted, on a motion by Ronnie Petree seconded by Shelby LaFosse, to authorize Carter Prejean to sign contracts for the commission; that motion also passed unanimously. Later the commission approved a marketing grant for Lake Arthur, moved by Kayla Doga and seconded by Ronnie Petree, with discussion of event elements including pictures with Santa, pre-ticketed gator displays, hot chocolate, a tour-bus option, decorating and lighting contests, and parade dates (Welsh on Dec. 6; Jennings on Dec. 20).

Votes at a glance

• Adoption of Employee Policy and Best Practices Manual — Moved: Shelby LaFosse; Second: Kayla Doga; Outcome: Passed unanimously (individual roll-call votes not specified).

• Authorization for Carter Prejean to sign contracts on behalf of the commission — Moved: Ronnie Petree; Second: Shelby LaFosse; Outcome: Passed unanimously (individual roll-call votes not specified).

• Marketing Grant to Town of Lake Arthur for 2025 Christmas event — Moved: Kayla Doga; Second: Ronnie Petree; Outcome: Passed unanimously (individual roll-call votes not specified).

The actions formalize the commission’s staff-authority and its approach to holiday-event marketing; commissioners discussed operational details for funded events, including ticketing and vendor coordination. The commission set its next regular meeting for noon Aug. 12, 2025, and adjourned at the end of the session.