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Road superintendent flags equipment failures, push for repairs as department copes with breakdowns
Summary
Road Superintendent Perry Holmes told the Jury that frequent tractor breakdowns and a Kenworth truck rear-end failure (under warranty) are constraining maintenance; ditching and school-area drainage work continue and a requested turnaround on Caney Street in Sikes faces property-line complications.
Winnfield, La. — Winn Parish Road Superintendent Perry Holmes reported maintenance progress and equipment troubles to the Police Jury on July 21, saying crews are grading when weather allows but frequent equipment breakdowns are limiting operations.
Holmes said crews are "trying to pull ditches and back slope when they can" and that the department has been operating one tractor at a time because tractors keep breaking down and repair costs are high. He reported a bid Kenworth truck recently "busted a rear end" and is under warranty with parts on order. Holmes said the ditch at Winnfield High School has been cleaned and some drains remain under work. He also noted a requested turnaround on Caney Street in the Village of Sikes is complicated by multiple property lines; he said the Sikes mayor will work to resolve property-line issues before the Road Department intervenes.
Holmes additionally reported a Summitt Worker’s Comp agent praised recent safety improvements — new doors, outside lighting and exhaust fans — and offered minor recommendations. He announced department mechanic Robert Rhymes will retire effective July 31, 2025, a staffing change that could affect repair capacity.
