Residents press DeSoto Parish on handicapped driveway and ramp program eligibility and costs

Residents asked jurors and staff detailed questions about the parish’s handicapped driveway and ramp assistance program during the road department budget discussion.

At the start of the operational section, Speaker 5 asked whether funds for handicapped driveways were allocated to each jurisdiction. Speaker 4 confirmed the money is part of the parish program and said he would make a journal entry to reclassify materials costs from road and bridge materials to the handicapped driveway line so the financials would reflect use of the funds.

Residents and jurors pressed on eligibility. Speaker 3 explained that applicants must qualify under income guidelines the parish uses to verify eligibility and that "Lily" (identified in the transcript as the verifier) handles income verification. Speaker 3 said the program is intended for low-income, disabled residents where ambulance access is necessary.

Speakers discussed what work the program covers: Speaker 3 said driveways are typically surfaced with rock (not asphalt or concrete). On average, speakers estimated a driveway job around $1,500 and said ramps are much more expensive — Speaker 3 estimated ramps at about $5,000. Speaker 6 said exact ramp prices vary and offered to provide precise figures later.

There was confusion among audience members about whether unused driveway allocations accumulate. Speaker 3 explained the policy currently does not allow carryover for budgeting manageability, though allocations may be donated to another qualifying resident.

The exchange ended without a formal action; staff committed to follow up with verified cost breakdowns for ramps and driveways and to clarify income thresholds used for eligibility verification. The discussion was noted as part of the operational review that preceded the capital outlay presentation.