Police Jury adopts policy barring parish crews from working on state highways after contentious debate
June 15, 2026 | De Soto Parish, Louisiana
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De Soto Parish — The De Soto Parish Police Jury voted June 15 to adopt Resolution No. 22, a policy prohibiting Parish Road employees and equipment from performing maintenance, construction or other work on state highways.
The resolution prompted extended discussion from jurors who said residents living on state highways pay parish taxes but often do not receive parish road services. Mr. Jones warned the change could be perceived as unfair to those residents, saying, “It’s like saying we going to buy the Cadillac but y’all going to drive it,” and urging jurors to consider equity before finalizing the policy.
Legal counsel and administration responded that the parish’s legal authority is limited. Mr. Norton explained the statutory division of responsibilities: “There is a statutory structure and the state is responsible for the state roads, the parish is responsible for the parish roads,” and said the policy clarifies what work the parish may legally perform.
Supporters said the resolution reduces the parish’s exposure to legal liability and prevents staff from undertaking work the parish lacks authority to perform. Opponents raised concerns about individual cases where driveways or safety issues on state routes might not be addressed if the parish declines to intervene.
The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Mr. Justice and seconded by Mr. Reigns; the roll-call vote passed. The motion text approved establishes the formal policy prohibiting parish road staff and equipment from working on state highways and was recorded as Resolution No. 22 of 2026.
The jury’s administrator and road department staff said they will continue to assist constituents by facilitating contact with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and by providing guidance on possible exceptions where state statutes permit parish involvement. Jurors and staff emphasized that the policy is meant to clarify statutory limits rather than to refuse assistance in all emergency or narrowly authorized circumstances.
Next steps: The resolution takes effect upon execution; staff will provide outreach information on the parish website to help residents report state-highway concerns to DOTD and to identify circumstances where parish assistance remains lawful.
The resolution prompted extended discussion from jurors who said residents living on state highways pay parish taxes but often do not receive parish road services. Mr. Jones warned the change could be perceived as unfair to those residents, saying, “It’s like saying we going to buy the Cadillac but y’all going to drive it,” and urging jurors to consider equity before finalizing the policy.
Legal counsel and administration responded that the parish’s legal authority is limited. Mr. Norton explained the statutory division of responsibilities: “There is a statutory structure and the state is responsible for the state roads, the parish is responsible for the parish roads,” and said the policy clarifies what work the parish may legally perform.
Supporters said the resolution reduces the parish’s exposure to legal liability and prevents staff from undertaking work the parish lacks authority to perform. Opponents raised concerns about individual cases where driveways or safety issues on state routes might not be addressed if the parish declines to intervene.
The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Mr. Justice and seconded by Mr. Reigns; the roll-call vote passed. The motion text approved establishes the formal policy prohibiting parish road staff and equipment from working on state highways and was recorded as Resolution No. 22 of 2026.
The jury’s administrator and road department staff said they will continue to assist constituents by facilitating contact with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and by providing guidance on possible exceptions where state statutes permit parish involvement. Jurors and staff emphasized that the policy is meant to clarify statutory limits rather than to refuse assistance in all emergency or narrowly authorized circumstances.
Next steps: The resolution takes effect upon execution; staff will provide outreach information on the parish website to help residents report state-highway concerns to DOTD and to identify circumstances where parish assistance remains lawful.
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