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Committee considers Penal Farm and finds statutory and operational obstacles to repurposing
Summary
Members asked whether the Parish Penal Farm could host animal-control operations; staff cautioned the facility is maintained for jail capacity and costs about $100,000 a year to keep, complicating repurposing without addressing statutory jail obligations.
Ms. Pam Glorioso asked whether the Penal Farm in North Bossier could serve as a site for animal-control operations, noting the parish spends roughly $100,000 annually to maintain the property. Dr. Ken Ward and Mr. Tom Salzer explained the Penal Farm is preserved in part to meet statutory obligations to provide adequate jail space and that reopening or repurposing the facility could conflict with the parish’s obligations if inmate housing needs increase.
Committee members discussed renovation versus new construction costs and noted it can be cheaper to demolish and reconstruct than to retrofit older buildings. Mr. Glenn Benton observed the Penal Farm is kept in maintenance to ensure a viable option if pre‑trial or jail capacity needs increase, and the feasibility study will evaluate renovation, new construction, and geographic access for residents across the parish.
