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Commission advances $1‑a‑year lease for pickleball project at YMCA site
Summary
The commission advanced ordinance 66‑36 authorizing execution of a nominal $1‑per‑year lease with the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana for a parish pickleball project; administration said the YMCA can lease but not gift property. The motion passed 11–1.
The commission voted to advance ordinance 66‑36, which would authorize the parish administrator to finalize a lease of YMCA property for a pickleball project at a nominal rent of $1 per year.
Administration said the YMCA was offering the property on a nominal lease because its charter prevents gifting property outright. "The Y would be providing the property at a nominal lease," the parish administrator said, and the proposed arrangement would be executed so the pickleball project could move forward.
Public commenter John Glover had earlier questioned the pickleball project and the draft lease, asking how the parish would ensure taxpayers were protected if revenue expectations did not materialize. "Why are we paying them a dollar even if it's just a dollar?" Glover asked during public comment, noting concerns about bond revenue and long‑term financial exposure.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the arrangement and the separate operating agreement that would govern management of the facility; the motion to advance the lease ordinance carried 11–1 and will be introduced at the Thursday meeting.
Why it matters: The lease advances a high‑profile recreation project on parish property and prompted public questions about financial exposure and oversight; administration said operating details will be addressed in separate agreements.
