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Ouachita Parish approves purchase of Ellington Drive land for animal shelter despite public opposition
Summary
The Police Jury authorized purchase of three parcels totaling about 18.44 acres on Ellington Drive for a new Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter for $204,000; several public commenters urged alternatives and opposed the purchase during the public-comment period.
On July 15, 2024 the Ouachita Parish Police Jury approved Resolution No. 24-35 authorizing purchase of three parcels along Ellington Drive totaling approximately 18.44 acres (Assessor Parcel Nos. 70432, 82286, and 82401) for use as the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter. The purchase price authorized in the resolution was $204,000, and the President was authorized to execute closing documents.
The resolution was offered by Mr. Smiley and seconded by Mr. Hudson and was adopted by the Jury. The action follows prior public comment at the meeting: Joan Hampton of Save Our Shelter Pets of Ouachita, and residents Staci Choate and Shannon Hagan spoke during the public-comment period in opposition to acquiring the Ellington Drive property and, in Hampton’s case, expressed support for an adoption center located at the University of Louisiana at Monroe as an alternative option.
The minutes record the parcel numbers and sum authorized for purchase but do not detail an appraisal or alternate site analysis in the record. The resolution directs the President to execute necessary acts and related documents to complete the acquisition.
The decision to proceed drew public comment raising concerns about the chosen site and urging consideration of alternative approaches to sheltering and adoption services. The minutes do not record a detailed staff presentation or written cost breakdown during the meeting; the purchase authorization is recorded as a Jury action.
