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DeSoto Parish jury defers decision on proposed $7 million library "maker space" and asks for legal review
Summary
Jurors postponed a vote on a proposed maker space at Independence Avenue after concerns about a roughly $7 million price tag, whether library tax revenues can legally fund the project and operating costs; an alternate motion to defer and seek further review passed.
MANSFIELD, La. — The DeSoto Parish Police Jury postponed action March 16 on a proposal to locate a library "maker space" on Independence Avenue after extended debate about funding, legal authority and long-term costs.
Committee member Mr. Jones brought the proposal to the floor for consideration; proponents and library representatives described a multiuse facility the library board expects to fund and operate. A parish official said the library board projects the facility will cost about $7 million and argued the project would expand educational and workforce opportunities locally. Committee member Mr. Dilbert said the project packet included cost projections and operating plans and told jurors, “We said that it's going to be right at 7 million.”
Opponents raised two recurring concerns: whether the library tax voted by residents can legally be repurposed for a maker space and whether the library board had supplied sufficient detail on ongoing operating and maintenance costs. Several jurors asked for an attorney general opinion on the legal question and pushed for more documentation showing how the library would avoid asking the parish for future operating subsidies. One juror also urged that any redirection of library tax revenues should be put before voters.
After discussion, an alternate motion to defer the matter to a later meeting and allow time for additional review passed on a roll-call vote. The jury did not approve the location or accept the donation at this meeting; members suggested the library board could seek an AG opinion or hold a special meeting to speed the review.
What remains: The jury deferred final consideration of the Independence Avenue maker space and instructed staff and interested members to seek additional legal and financial documentation before placing the item back on a future agenda.
