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DeSoto Parish jury approves millage rates, declares landfill expansion a public necessity and authorizes special counsel
Summary
The jury adopted adjusted millage rates, recommended an opportunity zone to state economic development, declared the Mundy Landfill expansion a public necessity and authorized special counsel for land acquisition; it also authorized the sale of the old Pelican Library and approved several routine administrative items.
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury on Thursday approved a package of resolutions and administrative actions that move multiple parish projects forward.
The jury authorized the president to sign Resolution No. 14 of 2026 adopting adjusted millage rates for tax year 2026 and Resolution No. 19 of 2026 recommending an opportunity zone to Louisiana Economic Development. Both motions passed on roll call.
On land use, the jury authorized the president to execute Resolution No. 16 of 2026 to engage Oates & Marino as special counsel to provide legal services related to land acquisitions connected to the planned Mundy Landfill expansion. Jurors also adopted Resolution No. 18 of 2026 declaring the Mundy Landfill Expansion Project a public necessity, authorizing acquisition of necessary property and property rights by amicable purchase or, if needed, through expropriation procedures. Staff said the targeted acreage is approximately 271 acres owned by Royal Martin Timber Company and that funds for initial steps are included in the current budget.
The jury declared the old Pelican Library surplus and authorized its sale in accordance with Louisiana law after staff said multiple parties have expressed interest. The body also authorized an amendment to the Biro pit lease to permit the vendor to sell dirt and salt to outside parties and approved a series of administrative items including the 2026-27 operating budget for the DeSoto Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission, acceptance of a resignation from Fire District 5, and the appointment of John Wheelis to fill the vacancy on that board.
Legal counsel publicly noted the jury provided notice under LA R.S. 42:17 and briefly recessed into executive session earlier in the meeting to discuss pending litigation; no final binding action was taken in closed session.
Most motions passed on roll call with 'aye' votes recorded; several items advanced the parish’s capital program, including road and courthouse annex projects that staff updated earlier in the meeting.
