Madison Parish Police Jury approves $357,392 equipment purchase, leases excavator and clears a slate of routine motions

TALLULAH, La. — The Madison Parish Police Jury on Monday, Nov. 24 approved the purchase of an asphalt zipper priced at $357,392.50 and authorized a new lease for a Kobelco SK 140SR excavator with a monthly payment of $2,808, among other routine motions, according to the jury's minutes.

Vice-President Johnny Hughes called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and the roll call showed District 1 juror Jerry Hicks, District 2 juror Stanley Ogden, District 3 juror Dave Wilson and District 4 juror Johnny Hughes present; District 5 was absent.

The jury amended the agenda to add a Port Commission request after a motion by Jerry Hicks and a second from Dave Wilson; the roll call recorded yes votes from Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4 and District 5 absent, and the motion carried.

The minutes show the jury approved the consent agenda (minutes from Nov. 10, 18 and 21, financials and the outstanding invoice report) and authorized the payment of outstanding invoices as funds allow.

On capital purchases, the jury approved buying an asphalt zipper offered on a 2025 Special Municipal Promotion for $357,392.50, with an estimated annual payment of $84,914.91 and vendor-estimated delivery ready for use in 2027. The jury also authorized terminating the existing track hoe lease and entering a new lease for a Kobelco SK 140SR excavator that includes a 4-year, 4,000-hour warranty and a $2,808 monthly payment; both motions were made and carried with no further discussion recorded.

Jurors reviewed RFQ tallies for engineering services on the 4611-133 Generator Project. The tabulation listed M & E Consulting at 314 points, Volkert at 315 and Marrero, Couvillon & Associates at 323; according to the minutes, Marrero, Couvillon & Associates was the top scorer and the Grant Manager will review required documents before a contract is presented to the parish.

Other items approved during the meeting included a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement review for donation of city property to the library — with a recommended change in Article V to extend the completion term from one year to two — and authorization to submit an LCDBG (Louisiana Community Development Block Grant) application on behalf of the Port for lane expansion at the Port Commission's request. The library's annual report was presented by Mrs. Wilmore and accepted without discussion.

The jury adopted a revised Compensatory Time Policy as recommended by Attorney Fry and passed a motion by Jerry Hicks to authorize the E-911 Communications District to adopt its own millage rate rather than have the parish adopt it. The jury also adopted an ordinance to allow an adjoining landowner to purchase adjudicated property on Van Zelfden Street without public bidding in accordance with RS 47:2202, and authorized demolition of a structure at 314 Morgan Street. Each motion noted in the minutes is recorded as "motion carried"; specific roll-call tallies beyond the agenda amendment were not recorded in the minutes provided.

With no further business, the jury adjourned. The minutes were signed by Secretary/Treasurer Margarett Dew and Vice-President Johnny Hughes.