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Sheriff: central, properly equipped shelter needed; jury to study 4‑H building and costs for generators
Summary
Jurors debated equipping the 4‑H building as a central warming/cooling shelter. Sheriff Richardson said water, staff and logistics limited options and urged a central facility that can accept water and large generators; jurors agreed to work with the sheriff and staff to develop a costed plan.
Jurors discussed whether to invest in generators and other infrastructure to use the parish‑owned 4‑H building as a central warming and cooling shelter after recent storms left residents without heat and water.
Juror comments recounted residents sitting in cars and being turned away from some fire stations; proponents urged the jury to prioritize taxpayer‑owned facilities for sheltering. Sheriff Richardson said the parish opened warming centers, worked with fire departments and arranged transportation for dialysis patients and hospital staff during the storm. He reported eight overnight shelter stays in Stonewall and said the parish made over 40 transport trips to a dialysis center while removing hundreds of trees from roads.
Richardson warned that a generator alone is insufficient: a shelter must be configured to accept potable water and be staffed. He said the parish has logistical capabilities and fuel operations near the training center, which could support a central facility, but stressed that the building chosen must be outfitted with adequate restroom and water systems. Several jurors noted prior studies about portable restrooms and kitchens and agreed the sheriff, administrator and committee members should develop a cost estimate and implementation plan for the next meeting.
No formal action was adopted to buy equipment during the meeting; jurors agreed to convene a planning group and return with dollar estimates and logistics options.
